AUKUS advancing Indo-Pacific security with nuclear submarines and emerging tech, Austin reports.

According to information published by the US DoD on September 26, 2024, the trilateral security alliance known as AUKUS, consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, is rapidly advancing military capabilities and deterrence strategies in the Indo-Pacific region, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. During a recent meeting in London with his counterparts, British Defense Secretary John Healey and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Austin emphasized the progress made under the partnership.
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Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles, the UK Ministry of Defence John Healey and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. (Picture source: US DoD)

One of AUKUS's key objectives is to equip Australia with conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Austin highlighted that over the past year, efforts have been accelerated, with more Australian sailors receiving specialized training at U.S. and U.K. nuclear reactor schools. Additionally, a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine made a port visit to Australia, marking an early milestone toward establishing Australia's sovereign submarine capability.

Austin also outlined plans for a rotational deployment of U.S. submarines to Australia, which could begin as early as 2027. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to assisting Australia in developing the skilled workforce needed to operate and maintain these advanced submarines.

The AUKUS partnership is structured around two main pillars. The first aims to ensure that Australia acquires nuclear-powered submarine capability by the early 2030s. The second pillar focuses on accelerating cutting-edge military technologies such as uncrewed maritime systems, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonics. Japan has committed to contributing to the development of maritime autonomy, while discussions with Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand are ongoing regarding their potential involvement in these emerging technologies.

In addition to these advancements, the AUKUS nations have committed to easing export controls to enhance secure trade within the partnership. This includes the sale of U.S. Virginia-class submarines to Australia. Recent legislative changes under the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act have amended export regulations, providing exemptions for Australia and the United Kingdom, further facilitating defense cooperation.

Background

From a geopolitical perspective, China has been vocal in its opposition, framing AUKUS as a destabilizing move that exacerbates regional tensions and threatens to spark an arms race. This has added fuel to the existing rivalry between China and the U.S. over influence in the Pacific, with Beijing accusing the pact of adopting a "Cold War mentality" that undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

This sentiment resonates with some Pacific nations, many of which are wary of nuclear-powered submarines in their waters, especially given the region's history of nuclear testing and its commitment to maintaining a nuclear-free zone. Countries like Fiji and the Solomon Islands have expressed concerns, suggesting that the presence of such vessels contradicts the ideals of peace in the Pacific, raising further diplomatic hurdles for Australia in maintaining regional relations.