AUKUS
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the UK, and the US. It was announced on 15 September 2021.
- This partnership involves the US and the UK assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
- This partnership spelled the end of a French–Australian submarine deal.
Aims of AUKUS
- Cooperation on advanced cyber mechanisms, artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing.
- Focus on military capability, distinguishing it from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance that also includes New Zealand and Canada.
- Focus on nuclear-powered submarines.
Work of AUKUS
AUKUS works on 2 pillars –
- Pillar 1 – Nuclear-powered submarines
- Pillar 2 – Technology which includes Computer and cybertechnology, Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic and Radar capability.
Members of AUKUS
- Officially the AUKUS have 3 members –
- UK
- US
- Australia
- New Zealand has agreed to officially explore the potential benefits of joining Pillar – 2. In March 2023, New Zealand’s defence minister Andrew Little said New Zealand had been offered the opportunity to discuss joining AUKUS for the non-submarine co-operation areas.
- The non-participating nations were also subject to media speculation about potentially joining –
- Canada
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
News Regarding AUKUS
Australia, Britain to build AUKUS subs
- Australia and Britain made a landmark deal to develop AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
- The two countries along with the United States have pledged to beef up their military muscle in a bid to counter China’s rise.
- However, some fear Mr. Trump could jettison the pact if he wins this year’s presidential election, returning to his “America first” style of foreign policy.
