Today the Defence Committee launches an inquiry into AUKUS, the
trilateral security partnership between the United Kingdom, the
United States of America and Australia.
AUKUS consists of two main pillars, facilitating cooperation
between the countries on key defence capabilities.
Pillar 1 will see Australia acquire its first nuclear-powered
submarines, with UK industry playing a key role in developing the
new “SSN-AUKUS”. The Committee's inquiry will ask whether this
Pillar remains on track to deliver against the timelines and
objectives set out in the 2023 Joint Leaders' Statement on AUKUS.
Pillar 2 facilitates broader cooperation on cutting-edge
technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and
quantum technologies: the Committee will look at whether there is
sufficient clarity about how this pillar will be delivered.
The deadline for written evidence is 30 May
2025.
Chair of the Defence Committee, MP, said:
“AUKUS is a vital partnership between the UK and two of our
long-standing allies, the United States and Australia, bringing
us even closer together in our defence cooperation.
“The Indo-Pacific is an area of key strategic importance and
ensuring its safety and security is paramount.
“AUKUS has been underway for over three years now. Our inquiry,
launching today, will examine whether the partnership is on
track, and will consider the impact of geopolitical shifts since
the initial agreement in 2021. The inquiry will examine the
progress made against each of the two pillars, and ask how any
challenges could be addressed.”
The Committee welcomes written evidence on the
following:
- How far have changes in the geopolitical situation affected
the assumptions which underpinned the partnership when it was
announced in 2021? Do they present a threat to the success of
AUKUS?
- Are Whitehall cross-departmental governance and
accountability structures for AUKUS adequate? How could they be
improved?
- Have amendments to export control regimes across the three
countries achieved their aim of maximising collaboration and
promoting innovation?
Pillar 1
- Is Pillar 1 on track to deliver against the timelines and
objectives set out in the 2023 Joint Leaders' Statement on AUKUS?
In particular, what challenges exist in relation to the following
areas, and how could they be addressed:
- Industrial capacity within the partner nations;
- Recruitment (including security vetting) and retention of
suitably qualified and experienced personnel (both civilian and
military) to build, maintain and operate the new
submarines;
- Infrastructure development.
- What are the implications for UK defence – in terms of both
benefit and risk – of the commitment to rotate an Astute-class
submarine out of Australia from as early as 2027?
Pillar 2
- Is there sufficient clarity about the scope, funding,
objectives, and delivery of Pillar 2?
- Is there adequate engagement between UK government and
industry on Pillar 2?
- What are the opportunities and challenges involved in the
potential expansion of Pillar 2 beyond the three partner
nations?
