8th April 2024 at 5:48pm
The AUKUS alliance, consisting of Australia, the UK, and the US, is set to expand its collaborative efforts by initiating consultations with other nations.
In a joint statement, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced Japan’s involvement in the alliance’s Pillar Two program.
AUKUS, established in September 2021, aims to enhance various defense capabilities critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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While Pillar One focuses on the development of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, Pillar Two encompasses advanced military technologies such as quantum advancements, artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities.
“In a more dangerous world, relationships and partnerships like AUKUS are more important than ever,” Grant Shapps said.
“AUKUS nations will assess whether involving like-minded nations like Japan would strengthen the development of capabilities. Consultations will begin this year on where potential partners, including Japan, can contribute to and benefit from Pillar Two work,” the Defence Secretary explained.
Japan and the UK are already working together with Italy on the UK’s sixth-generation fighter jet programme – the Global Combat Air Programme.
Last year the UK and Japan agreed on a landmark new strategic partnership – the Hiroshima Accord.
While Pillar Two is open for collaboration, submarine capability serves as the foundational aspect of the AUKUS program and will consistently involve only the UK, Australia and the USA.