AUKUS

Posted 21 May 2024

3 min read

AUKUS members are considering cooperation with Japan on advanced capabilities projects.

Japan’s inclusion in Pillar II (not a new full member yet) could enhance alliance partnerships, capability integration and standardisation, as well as potentially rationalise export control and information security regulations among the four countries.
- Japan already has a close bilateral defense partnerships with all three countries (Australia, the UK and US).

Genesis: Announced in 2021
Nature: It is a new three-way strategic defence alliance between Australia, the UK and US.
Aim: To boost defense capabilities, accelerate technological integration, and expand the industrial capacity of all three countries.
AUKUS partnership is composed of two pillars:
- Pillar I – Conventionally Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Under it, UK and USA are helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
- Pillar II – Advanced Capability Development: Focused on developing joint capabilities to enhance interoperability with focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and additional undersea capabilities etc.
AUKUS primarily serves as a framework for advancing defense technologies, rather than an alliance committed to defense during contingencies.
For facilitating sharing of critical technology, a legally binding tripartite agreement known as the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) was signed in 2021.

Strategic implication for Indo-Pacific: By strengthening the defence capabilities of Australia, AUKUS aims to achieve the vision of free, open, resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- Increased defense capability strengthens Australia’s ability to be an effective security partner and contribute to regional stability.
USA’s Renewed push in Indo-Pacific: AUKUS is seen as US’s strong commitment to security of Indo-Pacific region.
Re-establish UK’s strategic footprint: AUKUS will renew UK’s claim for a long term role in Indo-Pacific security

AUKUS lacks clarity in its narratives and strategic purpose.
China opposes AUKUS, which may trigger regional tensions in Indo-pacific.
Australia’s intent to acquire nuclear-powered submarines also resulted in a deterioration of Australia’s relations with France following the cancellation of plans to acquire diesel-electric Attack Class submarines.
- AUKUS has widened the divide in the trans-Atlantic relationship between France and AUKUS states, especially after USA’s unilateral decision to pull its troops out of Afghanistan.
AUKUS is different from Quad: AUKUS prioritizes defense partnership, unlike Quad, which has a broader focus on strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a group of US, Australia, India, and Japan which commits for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that is prosperous and resilient.

Complements the Quad: AUKUS would strengthen Quad to deal with China as a common threat and to keep the Indo-Pacific region free, open and inclusive.
Strategic collaboration with France: It also provides a window of opportunity for strategic collaboration with France and deepening trust with European nations.
- Australia's switch from a diesel-powered submarine deal with France to AUKUS (US providing nuclear-powered submarines to Australia) prompted France to offer India a contract for six nuclear submarines, reshaping Indo-Pacific strategic dynamics.

Erosion of India’s regional influence in the Eastern Indian Ocean with the crowding of nuclear attack submarines in the future.
AUKUS may shift balance of power in Indo-pacific, and may also diminish the value and usefulness of the Quad.