AUKUS members signed an agreement for cooperation related to naval nuclear propulsion | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

AUKUS members signed an agreement for cooperation related to naval nuclear propulsion

Posted 13 Aug 2024

2 min read

Agreement will enable AUKUS members UK and US to transfer submarine-specific material and equipment for Australia’s future nuclear‑powered (SSN) submarines.

Key highlights of Agreement

  • It will be central to transfer of Virginia-class nuclear submarines from US to Australia and transfer of equipment from UK for use in SSN-AUKUS submarines.
  • Agreement rules out enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in Australia and prevents AUKUS partners contravening international non-proliferation obligations.
  • Australia would be responsible for nuclear waste management generated by its submarines.

AUKUS

  • It is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, US and UK signed in 2021 to strengthen security and defence interests. 
  • It consists of two pillars, demonstrating its capabilities and strengths:
    • Pillar 1: Supporting Australia to acquire its first conventionally armed, SSN submarine fleet.
    • Pillar 2: Cooperation in eight advanced military capability areas: AI, quantum technologies, innovation, information sharing, and cyber, undersea, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic and electronic warfare domains.

Impact of AUKUS in Indo-Pacific region

  • Balance of power: It aims at countering Chinese influence and redefining security architecture with increased involvement of western powers.
  • India: It can be a tool in strengthening India’s idea of ‘strategic autonomy’ in Indo-Pacific and can complement Quad grouping
  • Nuclear proliferation concerns: Exchange of nuclear materials and knowledge can have strategical implications. 
  • Tags :
  • AUKUS
  • Indo-Pacific
  • nuclear submarines
Watch News Today