Historic AUKUS agreement established
On 15 September 2021, Prime Minister Morrison announced the establishment of the AUKUS security partnership alongside US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States marked a pivotal shift in Indo-Pacific defence cooperation. It brought the UK into an unprecedented formal defence technology arrangement in the region, and expanded security cooperation beyond traditional US-aligned defence activities. This strategic realignment represented a clear response to China's growing military assertiveness and coercive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, significantly enhancing Australia's maritime capabilities while deepening three-way military and technological integration between longstanding allies.
The AUKUS agreement consists of two main pillars: Pillar I focuses on Australia’s acquisition and production of nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar II is centred around advanced technology cooperation — branching out to include like-minded partners like Japan, South Korea and India.
AUKUS Pillar I represents Australia's most substantial investment in defence capabilities to date and is designed to bolster its maritime security and deterrence capabilities against potential threats. It centres on the unprecedented sharing of nuclear-powered submarine technology with Australia - only the second time in history the US has shared such capabilities, following their arrangement with Britain in 1958.
AUKUS Pillar II encompasses a broader range of technological cooperation, including advancements in cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. AUKUS nations have established multiple working groups focused on these areas to share knowledge and exchange expertise to maintain a competitive edge in defence innovation, while reinforcing Australia's position as a key strategic partner in maintaining regional stability.
The AUKUS partnership aims to enhance military capabilities and foster deeper collaboration on critical technologies essential for deterrence and modern warfare. By prioritising security partnerships with the UK and US, Prime Minister Morrison sought to reinforce Australia’s strategic position in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. AUKUS will yield ongoing benefits into the future — placing Australia in a stronger, more secure position in an ever-changing Indo-Pacific region.
Related media:
1. Press conference, Address: AUKUS, 16 September 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43566
2. Press release, Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS, 16 September 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44109
3. Press release, AUKUS Leaders’ Level Statement, 06 April 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44184
4. Press release, Joint Media Statement - AUKUS Leaders’ Level Statement, 06 April 2022: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44185
