This Means War AUKUS – a reality check
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Nov 30, 2023 John Hemmings, an expert on U.S. defense strategy, and Malcolm Davies from Aspian Australia, provide insightful perspectives on the AUKUS partnership. They discuss the complexities and slow progress of this pivotal security agreement since its inception. The conversation highlights the urgent need for enhanced military capabilities and the challenges posed by political dynamics in both the U.S. and Australia. They stress the importance of industrial capacity and STEM workforce development to ensure the partnership's effectiveness in a changing global landscape.
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Nuclear Submarine Challenge
- Building and operating nuclear submarines demands massive investment in skills, infrastructure, and science.
- This challenge is societal and generational, far beyond the reactors themselves, which are sealed in the vessels.
US Drivers Behind AUKUS
- The US views AUKUS as focused on capability, industrial capacity, and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
- The agreement aligns with US and Australian strategies but is less central to the UK’s defense posture.
Australia’s Strategic Shift
- Australia shifted rapidly from conventional to nuclear submarines due to China’s rising threat.
- The advanced French diesel-electric subs were deemed insufficient for Australia’s strategic needs.