Expanding AUKUS: South Korea and Australia’s Defense Ministers Announce Potential Inclusion in Advanced Military Technology Sharing Pillar 2

In a meeting between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne, Shin Won-sik, the South Korean Defense Minister, revealed that the government is considering sharing advanced military technology with the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia through the AUKUS partnership. This collaboration could potentially involve a wide range of security technologies like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems as part of AUKUS Pillar 2.

The AUKUS agreement was formed in 2021 and includes the United States and the United Kingdom providing Australia with submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology to counter China’s increasing military presence in the region. With the potential inclusion of South Korea and Japan in AUKUS Pillar 2 for technology development and sharing, the partnership is expanding its scope to enhance regional peace and security.

South Korea views this opportunity positively, highlighting its importance in enhancing peace and stability within the region through cooperation. Japan is also in talks to join AUKUS Pillar 2, further strengthening the collaborative efforts in developing advanced security technologies.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles commended South Korea’s initiatives to deepen ties with Japan, noting its positive impact on the strategic landscape of the region. By upholding rules-based order in the region and worldwide, Australia and South Korea are working together to maintain peace and stability through their partnership within AUKUS.

This significant step forward signifies a new era of regional security cooperation among these four nations.