The programme comes under Aukus’s so-called “Pillar Two” to develop advanced defence technology, including quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technologies.

“The signature project will deliver a suite of highly adaptable multi-mission UUV payloads designed to support undersea operations and maintain our collective advantage in the maritime domain,” Hegseth said.

Formed by the three countries in 2021, Aukus is part of their efforts to push back against China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has called the Aukus pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race.

“This will rapidly give our forces the very most advanced battlefield technologies as together we produce a range of cutting-edge sensors and weapons systems for undersea drones,” said Britain’s defence secretary John Healey.

“For too long in Aukus, we talked too much and delivered too little,” said Healey, who was talking alongside Hegseth and Australia’s defence minister on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.