AUKUS Partnership: Expanding to Include South Korea and Japan in Sharing Advanced Military Technology

The AUKUS partnership, formed in 2021 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, is considering sharing advanced military technology with South Korea through Pillar 2 of the alliance. This was announced by South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik during a meeting with Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne. According to Shin, this possibility was discussed during the meeting and he expressed his support for South Korea being considered as an AUKUS Pillar 2 partner by the three countries involved.

Shin stated that South Korea’s defense science and technology capabilities would contribute to the peace, stability, and development of AUKUS Pillar 2 and regional peace. Japan is also in talks to formally join AUKUS Pillar 2’s technology development and sharing, further expanding the partnership.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Japan within the context of the AUKUS partnership. He described it as a positive step forward in the strategic landscape of the region, providing Australia with opportunities to engage with both Korea and Japan. Together, Korea and Australia are committed to upholding the rules-based order within their region and globally.