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In September 2021, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia – members of the Five Eyes Intelligence – announced the AUKUS alliance. This security pact aims to help Australia acquire nuclear-propelled submarine technology and deepen cooperation in artificial and cyber intelligence, electronic warfare, undersea capabilities, innovation, and developing hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities. Acquiring these conventionally armed nuclear submarines will place Australia among the elite list of six countries that own and operate nuclear submarines.
Why does Australia need Nuclear Submarines?
Nuclear submarines have advantages over conventional submarines, including greater endurance and speed, enabling them to survey larger areas without frequent resurfacing for refuelling. These submarines will allow the Australian Navy to patrol the vast area of the Indo-Pacific Region and act as a deterrence against adversaries in the hostile environment of the Indo-Pacific, which has witnessed several maritime disputes arising due to expanding Chinese assertiveness.
How Will Australia Acquire Nuclear Submarines under AUKUS?
On March 13th, 2023, Australia finalized the AUKUS deal with the USA and the U.K. in San Diego, California. It will be implemented in several phases enabling Australia to acquire eight nuclear submarines by the end of 2040s. The first phase involves Australian naval personnel receiving training in operating nuclear submarines through the rotation of 4 Virginia-class submarines of the United States Navy from Perth. At the same time, the United Kingdom rotates one of its Astute-class nuclear submarines. The second phase includes Australia buying three Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the USA, with an option to buy two more. The U.K. will build a new SSN-AUKUS class submarine, based on the British model and U.S. submarine technologies, in the third phase. U.K. and Australia both will deploy SSN-AUKUS class submarines.
How Will Australia Mitigate the Nuclear Proliferation Risk Arising from the AUKUS Deal?
Australia, a non-nuclear weapon country, has announced that it will mitigate the nuclear weapons proliferation risk by not installing the training reactors in its territory. Instead, the USA and the U.K. will provide training to the Royal Australian Navy personnel in their countries. The sealed shut nuclear reactors in submarines will eliminate the need for refuelling during the nuclear reactors’ entire lifetime. Moreover, the U.S. President, Joe Biden, has declared that submarines supplied to Australia under AUKUS will be armed with conventional weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold talks with AUKUS countries to mitigate the proliferation risk and inspect these submarines before and after deployment.
How can AUKUS be a game-changer in the Indo-Pacific Region?
AUKUS will enhance Australia’s naval capabilities and deterrence capacity. It aims to counterbalance the growing influence of China in the region. It also marks a deepening of the U.K.’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific since 1971 when it announced the withdrawal of its troops from the East of Suez. Members of QUAD, like India and Japan, have welcomed the alliance to bolster regional security. In contrast, China has expressed concerns that AUKUS could further deteriorate regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The increasing military presence of the U.S. and its allies could lead to a power struggle with China which will polarize the region and perpetuate a new cold war in the Indo-Pacific region.
How does AUKUS differ from QUAD?
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a dialogue forum between India, Japan, the USA, and Australia to promote free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region. On the other hand, AUKUS is a security pact between the three countries of the Anglosphere, which aims to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy to address its strategic vulnerability and deterrence against China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific. AUKUS will facilitate open, transparent, and rule-based navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region by strengthening the defence capabilities of the regional partners, including India.
In conclusion, AUKUS will emerge as a strategic force multiplier in countering China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, including its territorial claims in the South China Sea and aggressive policies towards Taiwan, causing concern among many countries in the region. The deal will also enable the United Kingdom to forge a closer strategic partnership with partner countries, making it a powerful force to shape regional security in the Indo-Pacific region.
