AUKUS (an acronym of the three signatory nations, pronounced /ˈɔːkəs/, AW-kəs) is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, announced on 15 September 2021.[1]
Under the pact, the United States and United Kingdom agree to help Australia to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines, adding to the Western military presence in the Pacific region.[2] Although the joint announcement by Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, British prime minister Boris Johnson and US president Joe Biden did not mention any other country by name, anonymous White House sources have alleged it is designed to counter the influence of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the Indo-Pacific region.[3] However, Johnson later told parliament that the move was not intended to be adversarial toward China.[4]
On 17 September 2021, France which is an ally of the three countries recalled its ambassadors from Australia and the US, with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian calling the deal a "stab in the back"[5] because it led to the cancellation by Australia of a French–Australian submarine deal worth €56 billion (A$90 billion).[6][7]
The agreement covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, underwater capabilities, and long-range strike capabilities. It also includes a nuclear component, possibly limited to the United States and the United Kingdom, on nuclear defence infrastructure.[1] The agreement will focus on military capability, separating it from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance that also includes New Zealand and Canada.[8]
