Britain and Australia to Deepen AUKUS Commitment

Sydney

Britain reaffirmed its "absolute" commitment to Australia as the two nations’ defence and foreign ministers met in Sydney on Friday to deepen economic cooperation and solidify defence ties under the AUKUS security pact. UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of talks centered on advancing the AUKUS nuclear submarine programme and strengthening trade relations.

Australia will sign a landmark treaty with Britain on Saturday, laying the foundation for nuclear submarine production over the next 50 years. The agreement, described by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles as the most significant since Australia’s federation, is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and bring Britain up to £20 billion ($27 billion) in exports over 25 years. The deal also includes more frequent visits by Britain’s Astute-class submarines to Western Australia.

In a joint statement, both countries affirmed that their deepening ties are critical to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The treaty comes amid uncertainty surrounding the U.S. role in AUKUS, as President Trump’s administration reviews the pact. Healey stressed that the UK and Australia are investing heavily in the alliance, stating, “It does not cost the U.S. taxpayer any more.”

The ministers also addressed broader security concerns, condemning China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and North Korea’s supply of weapons and personnel to Moscow. Australia agreed to extend its military training support for Ukraine in Britain.

Additionally, both countries pledged cooperation on critical minerals, cybersecurity in the Pacific, and gender equality globally. Britain has increased its presence in joint military exercises, with 3,000 troops participating in the Talisman Sabre war games, reinforcing its role in Indo-Pacific security.