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
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit]()
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
