AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Australia’s Collins-class submarines will be replaced under the AUKUS programme by nuclear-powered attack submarines. (Photo: Australian Defence Force/LSIS Iggy Roberts)
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
In a recent UK Defence Committee evidence session, the UK Prime Minister’s special representative on AUKUS, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, revealed that the number of workstreams covered by Pillar 2 of the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the UK and the US had potentially been whittled down to four proposed areas.
While he could not reveal what the selected areas were, he said they had been “agreed with Australian colleagues”, adding: “They are with American colleagues at the moment and I am hopeful that when the American review concludes, we will be able to take them forward.”
Lovegrove was speaking as part of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Denmark’s air defence frigate requirement draws growing European competition]()
Denmark’s air defence frigate requirement draws growing European competition
With no formal competition under way, industrial partnerships, production capacity and air defence capability could all shape the programme as Denmark considers how to replace its three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV]()
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
-
![From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next]()
From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next
Saildrone’s new Copenhagen base is one sign of a larger shift, as navies globally turn to uncrewed vessels for surveillance and mine clearance.
