1. Background and Development of AUKUS:
– In 2009, Australia ruled out nuclear propulsion for submarines.
– In 2016, Australia signed a deal with Naval Group for the Attack-class submarines.
– Australia required local construction, leading to cost overruns and delays.
– In August 2021, Australia canceled the contract with Naval Group.
– Australia signed an agreement with Naval Group in 2019 for submarine design and construction.
– The project faced cost overruns, with the final cost reaching A$90 billion.
2. International Reactions and Aftermath of AUKUS:
– The partnership was a response to China’s assertiveness, criticized by China.
– France felt betrayed and recalled ambassadors from Australia and the US.
– The International Centre for Defence and Security praised the focus on the Indo-Pacific.
– France recalled its ambassadors, but expressed a desire to rebuild relations with Australia.
– The partnership marked the end of the French-Australian submarine deal.
3. Technology and Collaboration under AUKUS:
– AUKUS aims to enhance joint capabilities in cyber, AI, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities.
– Exclusion of Chinese firms like Huawei from critical infrastructure projects.
– Collaboration on hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies.
– Platform sharing and innovation for cost-saving.
– Focus on defense against hypersonic missiles.
4. Training, Agreements, and Future Plans of AUKUS:
– Australian submariners to train aboard UK Astute-class submarines.
– Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement signed by Australia, US, and UK.
– Treaty approval processes completed for sharing nuclear propulsion information.
– Future plans include building SSN-AUKUS submarines and receiving Virginia-class submarines.
– Establishment of the Australian Submarine Agency to manage the nuclear submarine program.
5. Perspectives and Involvement in AUKUS:
– Former PM Tony Abbott and Defense Minister Peter Dutton supported AUKUS.
– PM Boris Johnson emphasized job creation and global security.
– President Joe Biden viewed AUKUS as addressing the Indo-Pacific strategic environment.
– Japan expressed support for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
– France was disappointed and recalled ambassadors due to lack of prior negotiation awareness.
AUKUS (/ˈɔːkəs/ AW-kəs), also styled as Aukus, is a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Announced on 15 September 2021, the partnership involves the US and the UK assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. The partnership also includes cooperation on advanced cyber mechanisms, artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing. The partnership will focus on military capability, distinguishing it from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance that also includes New Zealand and Canada.
Trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States | |
 | |
 Member states shown in dark green | |
| Abbreviation | AUKUS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 15 September 2021 |
| Type | Military technology partnership |
| Purpose | Collective security |
Region | Indo-Pacific |
Membership | |
The International Centre for Defence and Security called the partnership "a powerful statement about the priority of the Indo-Pacific" and as a statement "that the larger institutional groupings aren't acting with the common purpose and speed that the current strategic and technological environment demands". The US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy called the partnership a "greater and deeper partnership" between the countries and said that it would provide a "lot of deterrence" in the Indo-Pacific. The government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) said the partnership risked "severely damaging regional peace" and had a "cold-war mentality", as the partnership was widely seen as being, at least in part, a response to China's status as an increasingly assertive emerging superpower.
The creation of the partnership spelled the end of a French–Australian submarine deal. On 17 September 2021, France recalled its ambassadors from Australia and the US; French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called the partnership a "stab in the back" following Australia's cancellation of the deal worth €56 billion (A$90 billion) without notice, ending recent efforts to develop a deeper strategic partnership between France and Australia. Following the ousting of Scott Morrison's government after the 2022 Australian federal election, the new Labor government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to a €555 million (US$584 million) settlement with French defence contractor Naval Group. In response, French defence minister Lecornu said that France aims to rebuild its relationship with Australia. In addition, Albanese announced plans to travel to France to reset bilateral relations between the two countries.
