The “AUKUS” agreement between Australia, United Kingdom and United States has emerged as the paragon of military-technological cooperation across the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. There are considerable challenges to implementation. However, it is important that the AUKUS program be a success because it is a daring and novel approach to military cooperation and will enhance allied power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The tripartite arrangement is also about investing in emerging and disruptive technologies. It is an attempt by Australia, the United Kingdom and United States to harness technologies and enhance scientific innovation to counter China’s critical resource base, its scientific prowess and its application of disruptive technologies to warfighting domains such as missile defense and naval forces.
Despite the promise of AUKUS, the program faces critical questions. The three allies already face political challenges to allow for the transfer and sharing of technology between allies. I believe the benefits of and obstacles facing AUKUS could set an example for technological cooperation between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. This endeavor is important because deeper technological and industrial cooperation has the benefit of strengthening and interlinking alliance structures in both regions.
War on the Rocks, 19 January 2024
Daniel Fiott 