AUKUS Security Agreement

What is AUKUS?

The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from our Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean, is home to more than half of the world’s people, nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy, and seven of the world’s largest militaries. Given the region’s influence and growing importance, nations are increasingly turning their attention to the Indo-Pacific. While the United States has consistently been a grounding power and protector of peace and prosperity in the region, the People’s Republic of China is being more forceful and aggressive in order to become the most influential power in the Indo-Pacific.
Their bullying tactics, as described by the NY Times in November 2023 as a “constant, aggressive presence,” requires the United States and allies to take action to bring the temperature down and ensure China upholds the rule of law.
That’s where the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) comes in.
The security pact, first announced in September of 2021 followed by the “Optimal Pathway” announcement in March of 2023, will recapitalize Australia’s submarine fleet with conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines while also advancing the three nations’ military technologies, like artificial intelligence and hypersonics. Taken together, these two pillars, as they are commonly referred to, will multiply our capabilities, deterrence, and force in the Indo-Pacific.
Read more about AUKUS implementation here.