UK, Australia sign 50-year defence pact under AUKUS framework

The United Kingdom and Australia have signed a landmark 50-year agreement to deepen defence cooperation under the AUKUS security partnership, the British government announced on July 24.

According to a statement published on the UK government’s official website and cited by Caliber.Az, the new agreement will support long-term collaboration on nuclear-powered submarine programmes, sustain tens of thousands of jobs across both countries, and significantly strengthen industrial and technological capabilities.

“A new 50 year AUKUS treaty will underpin the UK and Australian submarine programmes, support tens of thousands of jobs in the UK and Australia, enhance both nations’ industrial capacity, and deliver the submarines that keep the UK and our allies safe,” the statement reads.

The deal is expected to bolster the UK’s defence sector, contributing up to £20 billion in economic value over the next 25 years and creating more than 7,000 new jobs.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, stating: “Our deep defence relationship with Australia – from our work together to support Ukraine, share vital intelligence, and develop innovative technology – makes us secure at home and strong abroad.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored the geopolitical relevance of the partnership, saying the agreement protects a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Established in September 2021, the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US aims to strengthen military and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of the initiative involves the joint development of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, enhancing the country’s naval capabilities in a region marked by growing strategic competition.

By Vugar Khalilov