Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark 50-year defense treaty, solidifying their partnership under the AUKUS security pact. The treaty, signed on July 26, 2025, in Geelong, Victoria, establishes a historic partnership to build nuclear-powered submarines and cements decades-long cooperation between the two nations.
Key Features of the Treaty
- Nuclear-Powered Submarines: The treaty enables Australia and the UK to jointly develop and build SSN-AUKUS submarines, a new class of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines.
- 50-Year Commitment: The treaty represents a significant 50-year commitment to bilateral cooperation, focusing on defense and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Economic Benefits: The partnership is expected to generate up to £20 billion ($27 billion) in UK exports over the next 25 years and create thousands of high-skilled jobs across both countries.
- Compliance with International Law: The treaty complies with international nuclear non-proliferation obligations, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Implications and Context
The signing of the treaty comes amid an ongoing review of the AUKUS partnership by the United States administration, led by President Donald Trump. Despite this, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and UK Defense Secretary John Healey expressed confidence in the continued trilateral cooperation, welcoming the review as an opportunity for the new US administration to reaffirm its commitment to AUKUS.
The AUKUS partnership, launched in 2021, aims to bolster regional security in response to China’s expanding military footprint in the Asia-Pacific. The treaty marks a significant step in deepening defense ties between Australia and the UK, with both nations committed to regional stability and security.
Reaction and Future Prospects
The treaty has been hailed as a significant milestone in the AUKUS partnership, with both Australia and the UK emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relationship in maintaining regional security. The agreement is expected to strengthen the UK’s and Australia’s roles within the AUKUS framework, promoting decades of collaboration and shared security objectives.
