The second phase of the AUKUS pact, which focuses on autonomous military technology, information warfare, and quantum computing, is causing uncertainty and division. Former NSW premier Bob Carr believes that the consensus for AUKUS is collapsing due to blunders made by the Labor Party. Carr argues that future US presidents may be reluctant to sell submarines to Australia, viewing it as a setback in the race against China. The deal is expected to be announced during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s state visit to the US.
Australia is putting pressure on the US Congress to reform export control laws to facilitate the joint development of advanced defense capabilities. Australia’s Chief Defense Scientist Tanya Munro has hinted at the announcement and emphasized the need for discretion in revealing and concealing information. Working groups have been meeting to discuss technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles, and advanced cyber, with a focus on autonomous technology, automated intelligence, and quantum computing.
US President Joe Biden is expected to announce the detailed plan before the end of November, and he has shown support for the AUKUS program. The working groups have fostered collaboration and trust between the three nations involved. Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to the US aims to strengthen the alliance and progress the AUKUS pact. The submarine plan, which has encountered opposition in the US Congress, received a boost from Biden’s $US3.4bn investment in America’s submarine industrial base.
