The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have forged the AUKUS partnership to bolster trilateral security and construct nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. This landmark agreement signifies a significant advancement in defense collaboration among the three nations.
1. Submarine Construction
- Collaboration between Australia’s ASC and UK-based BAE Systems to construct submarines.
- Primarily based on a British design with incorporation of US weapons system.
- Australia plans to have eight nuclear-powered submarines operational by the 2050s.
2. Capabilities
- Equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare, and strike operations.
- Enhanced stealth and quietness compared to Australia’s current diesel-powered fleet.
- Maximizing interoperability among AUKUS partners.
3. Funding
- Australia commits 4.6 billion Australian dollars to British industry for SSN-AUKUS submarines.
- Significant investments from all AUKUS partners to ensure program success.
- Transformation and integration of trilateral industrial bases to support SSN cooperation.
4. Regional Concerns
- China expresses concerns over potential arms race in the Asia-Pacific region due to the AUKUS deal.
- China’s military modernization and assertiveness in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan are highlighted.
Trivia
- First instance of a country obtaining capability to build nuclear-powered submarines and continuing production indefinitely.
- Australian funding for British industry follows a defense and security pact with the UK aimed at addressing challenges such as China’s increased activity in the South China Sea and South Pacific.
- Taiwan detects 36 Chinese military aircraft around the island, marking the highest number in 2024, coinciding with the AUKUS announcement.
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