The defense chiefs of the United States, Australia, and Britain met in California to discuss and promote high-tech cooperation on advanced defense systems. They focused on the development of deep space radar, AI, and quantum computing technologies, as part of their effort to strengthen their armed forces in the face of growing global threats, including from China. The meeting emphasized the importance of the AUKUS partnership, launched in September 2021, as a counterweight to assertiveness from regimes in Moscow and Beijing.
The defense chiefs gathered in Silicon Valley, the heart of the US tech sector, to build on the progress of the AUKUS partnership. The collaboration aims to offer a Western counterweight to assertiveness from regimes in Moscow and Beijing. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that AUKUS is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will promote peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The agreements reached during the meeting will enable the three countries to develop and deliver advanced capabilities, providing their warfighters with a decisive advantage.
This tripartite gathering represents a strengthening alliance that has already seen agreements for Canberra to purchase at least three nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines. Additionally, Britain and Australia have agreed to build a new model involving US technology. In this meeting, the focus was on cutting-edge technologies, including the development of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability program. By the end of the decade, radar detection sites will be established in all three countries, with the capacity to peer 22,000 miles into space.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the importance of sharing and developing advanced technologies between the three countries. The coordination will cover deep space radar, quantum technologies for navigation and weapons direction, and resilient artificial intelligence for precision targeting. Marles dismissed concerns regarding the vulnerability of US alliances to election outcomes, asserting that the AUKUS partnership enjoys cross-party support in all three nations.
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the strength of the relationship between the three countries, stating that in a more dangerous world with various conflicts, innovation and pioneering spirit are crucial. He mentioned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Hamas’ activities in the Middle East, and China’s undermining of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific as challenges that require increased innovation. The tightening of ties between the US, UK, and Australia has unsettled Beijing, which views it as an attempt to contain China.
The three nations regularly undertake freedom of navigation voyages through the South China Sea, an area of international waters claimed by China. Beijing has established military installations in the region. This year, China warned that the three countries were taking a dangerous path when Canberra announced the purchase of the nuclear-powered submarines. Previously, Australia had planned to replace its aging fleet of conventional submarines with French vessels. The nuclear-powered submarines will not be armed with atomic weapons but are expected to carry long-range cruise missiles. Their fuel source allows them to stay submerged for longer periods and operate quietly.