As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
An artist’s impression of the AUKUS SSN submarine. (Image: BAE Systems)
AUKUS, the long-term, two-stranded defence agreement between the US, the UK and Australia, faces a serious of hurdle to overcome if it is ever to achieve its goals. Since the election of Donald Trump in the US, and his administration’s dramatic shift on defence spending and the use of tariffs, there has been growing popular and political concern in Australia over whether the deal makes sense.
So can AUKUS survive the drop-off in Australian support? And are there other elements of the plan that should concern the industry?
The terms of AUKUS, as set out in 2021, exist in two “pillars”.
In
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.