This week marks five years since the launch of AUKUS, the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
When the agreement was announced in 2021 by President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, it was seen as a major commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. However, it was also a commitment to closer industrial cooperation, stronger submarine-building capabilities and a shared determination to keep the region open, secure and prosperous.
At the time, it was, by all accounts, an ambitious vision for international collaboration in defence. Five years on, it has now become a powerful example of a strong and united defence pact in what is no doubt an increasingly contested and congested world order.
Industry’s role in AUKUS
For industry, the last five years have been a busy and important period.
Much of the focus has been on putting in place the foundations needed to turn political ambition into real capability. Through the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum (ACIF), governments and industry have worked together to identify barriers to collaboration and find practical ways to overcome them.
I saw that collaboration first-hand at the Farnborough International Airshow this summer, where discussions centred on how industry can continue supporting the programme’s progress. Innovation Challenges have helped connect governments with emerging technology companies, while Signature Projects are creating clearer pathways for delivering new capabilities more quickly.
Momentum building across Pillar I & II
One of the most significant developments this year was the announcement of the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, focused on payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles.
Alongside continued progress on Pillar I and the SSN-AUKUS programme, it sends a strong signal that all three nations remain committed to moving at pace and delivering advanced capabilities together.
That growing focus on delivery is welcome. Businesses are far more likely to invest and innovate when they can see a clear direction of travel and genuine opportunities ahead. It is vitally important that we continue to see the demand signal from governments to give our industry the confidence and the clarity to invest.
Creating opportunities for industry
At ADS, we have welcomed the increasing focus on Pillar II, the alignment with wider initiatives such as Australia’s Maritime Big Play, and continued efforts to make collaboration easier across the three partner nations.
Recent reforms to US export controls, including AUKUS-related ITAR and EAR exemptions where we were proud to lead UK industry consultations, are an important step forward. Industry has long highlighted the need for simpler processes, clearer demand signals and accessible programmes. Those practical measures are essential if we are to unlock investment, encourage innovation and strengthen the supply chains that underpin AUKUS.
Looking ahead
As the partnership enters its next phase, we, as the UK’s trade association, look forward to continuing our work with governments, industry partners and fellow trade associations across Australia, the UK and the US.
We would encourage ADS members to explore the opportunities emerging through AUKUS and to engage with the evolving export control and regulatory frameworks that will support greater participation in trilateral programmes.
Five years on, AUKUS is proving its value not just as a security partnership, but as a driver of industrial collaboration, innovation and capability development. The foundations are now in place. The task ahead is to keep the momentum going and make the most of the opportunities it creates for all three nations.
