// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
AUKUS
AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its primary goal is to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines to enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
AUKUS is a trilateral military and technology-sharing security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, focused on developing joint capabilities and enhancing interoperability, primarily through the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) to the Royal Australian Navy and collaboration on advanced technologies like AI, cyber, quantum, and undersea capabilities.
BACKGROUND
AUKUS, also styled as Aukus, is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have stated that its goals are to "promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable." Initially announced on 15 September 2021, the partnership involves two lines of effort referred to as pillars. Pillar 1 focuses on Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines and the rotational basing of US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines in Australia. Pillar 2 entails the collaborative development of advanced capabilities in six technological areas: undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomy, advanced cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare; and in two broader functional areas: innovation and information sharing.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Australia-UK-US pact
- trilateral security pact
- AUKUS alliance
- Indo-Pacific security agreement
USAGE NOTE
The term is central to discussions about modern deterrence strategy and geopolitical power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to AUKUS.
A British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company. It is a key partner in the AUKUS pact, particularly in the design and construction of the new SSN-AUKUS class of nuclear-powered submarines for the UK and Australian navies.
A primary builder of nuclear submarines for the United States Navy. Under the AUKUS agreement, it is responsible for constructing Virginia-class submarines that will be sold to Australia and transferring critical technology and skills for submarine construction.
The largest military shipbuilding company in the United States. Its Newport News Shipbuilding division is one of only two U.S. shipyards capable of building nuclear-powered submarines and is integral to expanding the industrial base to meet the demands of AUKUS.
A British multinational engineering company that designs and manufactures the nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. It will provide the reactors for the new SSN-AUKUS submarines being built for both the UK and Australia.
An Australian government-owned naval shipbuilding company responsible for sustaining the Collins-class submarine fleet. ASC is being developed to take on a crucial role in building and maintaining the nuclear-powered submarines acquired under the AUKUS agreement.
Australia's lead agency dedicated to providing science and technology support for the country's defence. DSTG collaborates with UK and US partners on research and development for AUKUS Pillar II technologies like hypersonics, AI, and undersea warfare.
An executive agency of the UK Ministry of Defence, Dstl provides science and technology research for the UK's defence. It is a key contributor to advanced capabilities development under AUKUS Pillar II, including AI, quantum technologies, and cyber.
A global technology company with significant operations in Australia, the UK, and the US. Thales develops advanced technology in areas relevant to AUKUS Pillar II, including sonar systems for undersea warfare, cybersecurity, and secure communications.