AUKUS partners reaffirm commitment to joint defence

In a joint statement on 26th September 2024, the UK, US, and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS defence partnership during a high-profile meeting in London.

Hosted at the historic Old Royal Naval College, the meeting brought together UK Defence Secretary John Healey, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.

The trio reviewed progress on the trilateral pact, which is aimed at bolstering security and military cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The statement emphasised the importance of the AUKUS partnership, describing it as a commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, secure and stable.” The defence ministers reiterated the enduring nature of this collaboration in the face of a rapidly evolving global security environment, stressing that the partnership aims to support a rules-based international order.

One of the key areas discussed was the development of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the SSN-AUKUS programme. The three nations are working closely to advance this project, with the UK committing £4 billion, the US contributing USD 17.5 billion, and Australia pledging over AUD 30 billion. These investments will help create the infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supply chains necessary to sustain the project over the long term. The ministers reaffirmed their “shared and enduring commitment” to ensuring that the highest nuclear non-proliferation standards are met, with Australia engaging closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on developing a robust safeguards approach.

In addition to the submarine programme, the statement highlighted advancements in military technologies under AUKUS’s second pillar, which focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonic weapons, and autonomous systems. The three countries are conducting a series of trilateral tests and experiments aimed at improving long-range precision strike capabilities.

These efforts will enhance the ability to target “time-critical and heavily defended targets,” ultimately improving the survivability of forces in future conflicts.

The joint statement also underscored the vital role of collaboration across the defence industries of the three nations. By reducing bureaucratic barriers and encouraging closer cooperation between industrial partners, the AUKUS countries aim to strengthen their shared defence capabilities. The ministers welcomed recent initiatives, including the “Jobs for Subs” programme in Australia, which will support the submarine industrial base by recruiting and training personnel for future roles.

Throughout the meeting, the ministers emphasised their commitment to maintaining regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the long-term nature of the AUKUS partnership, with all three nations pledging to continue their collaboration for decades to come. “We are stronger together than separately,” they declared, highlighting the deep sense of trust and shared purpose driving the partnership forward.