Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
The Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarine HMS Anson during a maintenance period in Western Australia. (Photo: LSIS Shaun Chatfield)
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
The first AUKUS Pillar II “signature project” has been defined, funded and given a delivery date. What the governments of Australia, the UK and the US have not yet said publicly is what follows it.
Announced earlier this year, the joint programme will develop payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), with national systems slated for delivery from 2027.
Five years after the trinational partnership was formed, the question for defence companies is where that model is applied next, and the clues are already visible in strategy documents and think tank analysis.
A pillar of promise, not yet
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
-
![Patria NEMO Navy: Unlocking unmatched versatility and protection for modern naval forces]()
Patria NEMO Navy: Unlocking unmatched versatility and protection for modern naval forces
The Patria NEMO Navy mortar system marks a revolutionary advance in maritime defence technology, offering unparalleled benefits to customers who demand performance, adaptability and safety in their naval operations.
-
![Canada targets 2027 frigate trials for CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter]()
Canada targets 2027 frigate trials for CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter
The Royal Canadian Navy’s CU179 Peregrine will undergo Halifax-class frigate trials in 2027 ahead of initial operational capability in 2028, while River-class destroyer integration arrangements remain undefined.
-
![Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation]()
Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation
Fincantieri and PT PAL have agreed on a framework to modernise the former Giuseppe Garibaldi, with drones, communications and broader Italian–Indonesian industrial ties involved.
