Secretary of State for Defence (): Two and a half years ago,
the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia launched the
ground-breaking new strategic defence and security partnership,
AUKUS.
As we have seen through recent events, the world has become more
dangerous. Against an increasingly contested and volatile
landscape, defence partnerships like AUKUS have become critically
important in ensuring the UK and our allies maintain a strategic
advantage.
For over a century, AUKUS nations have stood shoulder to
shoulder, along with other allies and partners, to help sustain
peace, stability, and prosperity around the world.
On 8 April, along with my Australian and United States
counterparts, I announced that AUKUS nations, having made
sufficient progress trilaterally, are now ready to begin
consultations with additional countries regarding areas where
they can contribute to, and benefit from, this historic work
under Pillar 2 (Advanced Capabilities). While our work on
conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under Pillar 1
will remain trilateral.
Partners have always been clear on the intent to engage
additional nations in Pillar Two projects as the work progresses.
In identifying collaboration opportunities, we will consider
factors such as technological innovation, financing, industrial
strengths, ability to adequately protect sensitive data and
information, and impact on promoting peace and stability in the
Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the potential collaborations
will complement and build on the close bilateral relationships
that all three AUKUS nations have with other countries.
Therefore, Australia, the UK and US are considering the potential
for involving Japan in some elements of the Pillar Two programme.
Pillar Two includes quantum technologies, undersea capabilities,
artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, cyber, hypersonic and
counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare
capabilities, supported by innovation and information sharing.
The UK, Australia, and the United States are committed to
continued openness and transparency on AUKUS. This is another
significant leap for the partnership, and I look forward to
keeping the House updated on progress.
A copy of the full Defence Ministers'
statement(opens in a new tab) has been placed in the Library
of the House.
