AUKUS

Why in the news?

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

More on news

• 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).

About AUKUS 

• 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. 

Implications of AUKUS 

• 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 

Concerns related to AUKUS                   

• 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.