Expansion of AUKUS

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The AUKUS security Pact is set to begin talks on bringing new members and plans to include Japan into the group.

What is AUKUS?

• AUKUS is a trilateral defence and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• It was established in2021 to bolster their allied deterrence and defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. 
• The trilateral partnership has two pillars.
  • Pillar Irevolves around the acquisition and development of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy;
  • and Pillar 2focuses on cooperation in eight advanced military capability areas: artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, innovation, information sharing, and cyber, undersea, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic and electronic warfare domains.

Why was AUKUS formed?

• Increasing Presence of China: The Indo-Pacific region has witnessed increasing geopolitical tensions, including territorial disputes, military build-up, and assertive behavior by China.
  • The participating countries share concerns about maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
• Technological Cooperation:AUKUS aims to enhance technological cooperation, particularly in the field of defense and security.
• Alliance Strengthening: AUKUS represents a deepening of security ties between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Response to Regional Dynamics: The formation of AUKUS is seen as a response to shifting regional dynamics and evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
  • It reflects a broader trend of countries in the region seeking to forge closer security partnerships and alliances to address common concerns and counterbalance China’s influence.

Way Ahead

• Lasting success for AUKUS in deterring regional threats and reinforcing regional stability hinges on participating states overcoming barriers to progress in technology and information sharing, and meeting benchmarks for both Pillars.
• Achieving the core objectives will take years, with Pillar I likely requiring decades, even with all states moving forward at full speed.
• Regardless, AUKUS still holds immediate promise for participating countries.
• Critically, it will help catalyze technological innovation and enhance research and development for emerging capabilities necessary to maintain a competitive edge, strengthen defense ties, and deepen the three countries’ presence in the Indo-Pacific.