A landmark defence and security partnership has been agreed by the leaders of the UK, the United States and Australia today which will protect and defend shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the ‘AUKUS’ alliance, the three countries will enhance the development of joint capabilities and technology sharing, as well as foster deeper integration of security and defence-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains.
The trilateral security partnership reflects the level of trust and cooperation between the three countries, who already share extensive intelligence through the Five Eyes alliance.
Scott Morrison was joined live by the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden in a virtual press conference today, to announce the joint security partnership, including the development of nuclear submarine capability for Australia.
The first initiative under AUKUS will be a collaboration on future nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. This capability will promote stability in the Indo-Pacific and will be deployed in support of shared values and interests.
The UK has built and operated world-class nuclear-powered submarines for more than 60 years. Notably for example, the work carried out by Rolls Royce near Derby and BAE Systems in Barrow. The initial scoping phase for the new endeavour is expected to take 18 months.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Boris Johnson and Joe Biden on screen
In a joint leader’s statement on AUKUS, Morrison, Johnson and Biden said:
Through AUKUS, our governments will strengthen the ability of each to support our security and defense interests, building on our longstanding and ongoing bilateral ties. We will promote deeper information and technology sharing. We will foster deeper integration of security and defense-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains. And in particular, we will significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities.
As the first initiative under AUKUS, we will leverage expertise from the United States and the United Kingdom, building on the two countries’ submarine programs to bring an Australian capability into service at the earliest achievable date.
The development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines would be a joint endeavour between the three nations, with a focus on interoperability, commonality, and mutual benefit. Australia is committed to adhering to the highest standards for safeguards, transparency, verification, and accountancy measures to ensure the non-proliferation, safety, and security of nuclear material and technology. Australia remains committed to fulfilling all of its obligations as a non-nuclear weapons state, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Recognizing our deep defense ties, built over decades, today we also embark on further trilateral collaboration under AUKUS to enhance our joint capabilities and interoperability. These initial efforts will focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.
The endeavour we launch today will help sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. For more than 70 years, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have worked together, along with other important allies and partners, to protect our shared values and promote security and prosperity.
