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Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have confirmed they are beginning consultation with a range of countries, starting with Japan, to collaborate on advanced military capabilities under Pillar Two of the partnership which will begin this year.
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Pillar Two includes quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, artificial intelligence and autonomy, cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare capabilities supported by innovation and information sharing.
Australia, the UK, and the US are considering Japan’s potential involvement in some elements of the Pillar Two program.
The three partners have always been clear on the intent to engage additional nations in Pillar Two projects as the work progresses, with the potential collaborations to complement and build on the close bilateral relationships that all three AUKUS nations have with other countries.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, “We have always said we would engage additional nations in our Pillar Two work as it progresses, and collaborating with like-minded countries will strengthen the partnership further.”
Japan’s potential involvement was announced by UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday, 8 April.
The potential collaboration with Japan builds on the growing partnership between the UK and Japan, with the two nations working together with Italy on the sixth-generation fighter jet program, GCAP.
AUKUS nations will assess whether involving like-minded nations like Japan would strengthen the development of capabilities. Japan’s potential inclusion in the agreement opens the door for other nations including Canada, New Zealand, and India in Pillar 2 of the agreement.
The AUKUS partnership is a demonstration of the commitment of Australia, the UK, and the US to support peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
