The Defence Secretary has discussed the development of hypersonic weapons and undersea intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with his US and Australian counterparts in the first meeting of Aukus Defence Ministers in Washington.
Aukus is a trilateral security partnership, comprising the three countries, and discussions are also looking into progress on how the Australian Navy can acquire its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine.
Ben Wallace met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia Richard Marles at the Pentagon in Washington to reiterate their shared commitment to the partnership.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin “the need for Aukus is even clearer today”.
“More than ever, our three countries share a similar outlook on the key challenges and opportunities confronting our world,” he said.
Additionally, the pact also saw plans for joint military exercises in 2023 and 2024 alongside the discussions on the development of advanced capabilities such as hypersonic weapons and undersea intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Mr Wallace said the meeting was a “landmark moment” in the partnership.
“Aukus reflects the unique level of trust and cooperation the UK shares with its US and Australian partners, and I look forward to enhancing our technologies and capabilities together,” he said.
The defence secretaries also committed to continued transparency with partners on the agreement and emphasised the pact would complement existing partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the partnership is “built on trust, commitment and determination in the service of a secure and stable Indo-Pacific”.
“Together we hope to be able to progress developments in advanced capabilities and discuss the optimal pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines,” he said.
Mr Wallace welcomed the publication of a new US National Defense Strategy which strongly aligns with the UK’s Integrated Review and provides a narrative on Russia and China, according to the MOD.
He also thanked Mr Marles for Australia’s decision to deploy military personnel to the UK to support the training of Ukrainian troops – set to commence in January.
The pair also discussed opportunities for more defence collaborations between the two countries.
source: forces
