Japan in Talks to Join Military Technology Alliance

Aukus, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., is debating whether Japan should be allowed to join the alliance.

Members collaborate on technology with military applications and a new phase of the agreement aims to incorporate emerging technologies, including quantum, AI, autonomy and cyber capabilities.

The three members already have separate bilateral relationships with Japan and talks to admit the country will begin between them.

Pillar One of Aukus launched in September 2021 with the aim of the three nations collaborating on capabilities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. These include a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability for the U.K. and Australia.

Pillar Two is set to launch later this year and will involve consultation with other countries, including Japan, as potential collaborators on advanced military capabilities.

These include quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, AI and autonomy, cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare capabilities, supported by innovation and information sharing.

“In a more dangerous world, relationships and partnerships like Aukus are more important than ever. We have always said we would engage additional nations in our Pillar Two work as it progresses, and collaborating with like-minded countries will strengthen the partnership further,” said U.K. defense secretary Grant Shapps.

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“I am committed to a peaceful, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and to working with partners to grow our capabilities and uphold international rules and order. Aukus nations will assess whether involving like-minded nations like Japan would strengthen the development of capabilities. Consultations will begin this year on where potential partners, including Japan, can contribute to and benefit from Pillar Two work.”