The AUKUS trilateral security partnership, which involves the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, is now in its third year and is seeking collaboration with Canada, New Zealand and South Korea under its second pillar.
Pillar 2 focuses on strengthening cooperation in critical technologies, including cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and hypersonics, to advance capabilities needed to deter adversaries and boost security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The AUKUS members recently made export control changes to lift license requirements that hinder defense trade and technology sharing.
In a joint statement marking the third anniversary of AUKUS, the three leaders noted that inviting other countries to join the partnership will improve interoperability and contribute to the development of advanced capabilities. They cited the close bilateral defense partnerships of Canada, New Zealand and South Korea with each AUKUS member.
The statement also focused on the achievements made under the agreement’s first pillar, centered on helping Australia acquire and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
According to the AUKUS leaders, Australia is on track to operate its fleet of such submarines by the early 2030s. Australian personnel are now embedded in the British Ministry of Defence and American naval shipyards, and Australian naval officers and sailors are engaged in U.K. and U.S. underwater craft submarine training programs.
Nicholas Hasko will lead a panel discussion about AUKUS’ strategies, technology initiatives and challenges at the Potomac Officers Club’s upcoming GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Register now.