Australia and Britain have announced a significant step forward in their strategic partnership, agreeing to jointly develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines. This collaboration, under the AUKUS trilateral pact, also includes the United States. The move will see Australia initially purchase U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines over the next decade, with subsequent efforts focused on building a new class of AUKUS submarines in both Britain and South Australia.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of the bilateral treaty, stating that it will facilitate Australia’s involvement in AUKUS. He highlighted the shared submarine class, emphasizing the extensive industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and operational mechanisms involved.
The meeting of AUKUS defense ministers also saw a commitment to incorporate British-made Stingray torpedoes into P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which play a crucial role in submarine hunting operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the ongoing advancements within AUKUS, noting significant experimental activities across ground, undersea, and electromagnetic spectrums to enhance warfighting capabilities. These efforts fall under AUKUS’s “Pillar Two”, focused on strengthening military capabilities.
A joint statement released by the AUKUS partners underscored their increasing capability to develop and deploy offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies. The statement also announced plans for a large-scale drone exercise later this year, highlighting the growing collaboration between the three nations. This strategic partnership signifies a substantial commitment to shared security objectives within the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement and collaborative defense efforts.
