Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will travel to the United States for the second AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting in California, this week.
The Deputy Prime Minister will join US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J., Austin III, and UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honourable Grant Shapps MP, to discuss enhancing capabilities, improving interoperability, and strengthening integrated deterrence through the AUKUS partnership.
In the 12 months since the inaugural AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting, held on 7 December 2022, significant progress has been made across AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II.
This includes the announcement of the pathway for Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in March this year.
AUKUS Pillar II Advanced Capabilities is prioritising the delivery of enhanced Defence capabilities, harnessing cutting edge and disruptive technology.
It will contribute to strengthening the AUKUS partners’ industrial bases, eliminating barriers to information sharing and increasing technological cooperation.
By collaborating with the US and the UK to develop and deliver these game-changing capabilities, AUKUS will allow us to further contribute to a sustainable balance of power in the region.
AUKUS complements the collective efforts of all three AUKUS partners to contribute to the global rules-based order and ensure the Indo-Pacific remains stable, secure and prosperous.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“Australia’s alliance with the United States, and our relationship with the United Kingdom are two of our most consequential partnerships which strengthen our national security.
“I am looking forward to meeting my counterparts from the US and the UK – Secretary Austin and Secretary of State Shapps – to continue the progress we are making through the AUKUS partnership and Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
“From undersea and electronic warfare, to advanced cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, there is significant work underway across our three nations in enhancing our shared capabilities under Pillar II of AUKUS.”
