Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

AUKUS Update

15 April 2024 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by Grant Shapps Con Welwyn Hatfield

DefenceForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Minister updates Parliament on the AUKUS partnership and its expansion to involve additional nations in Pillar Two projects
  • The UK, Australia, and the US are considering Japan's involvement in some elements of the Pillar Two programme
  • The full Defence Ministers' statement is available in the Library of the House

Issue summary

The Minister updates Parliament on the AUKUS partnership and its expansion to involve additional nations in Pillar Two projects.

Action requested

The UK, Australia, and the US are considering Japan's involvement in some elements of the Pillar Two programme and will consult with other countries as the work progresses. The full Defence Ministers' statement is available in the Library of the House.

Key facts

  • AUKUS was launched two and a half years ago by the UK, Australia, and the US.
  • Pillar One involves conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and remains trilateral.
  • Pillar Two includes quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, AI and autonomy, cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare capabilities.
  • The AUKUS nations are consulting additional countries regarding areas where they can contribute to and benefit from the programme.
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