Japan Considered for Involvement in AUKUS Partnership on Defense Projects

The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are exploring the possibility of collaborating with Japan on advanced defense projects within the framework of the AUKUS partnership.

“Japan is being considered because of its strengths and its close defense partnership with all three countries,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, who held a press conference today.

This move follows a joint statement by defense leaders from the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. affirming the importance of Japan's potential involvement.

AUKUS focuses on various defense initiatives, including Australia's pursuit of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

Japan's expertise in submarine technology, particularly with its Soryu-class submarines, could be valuable in advising and supporting Australia's submarine program.

While specific details of Japan's role in AUKUS projects are still under consideration, the potential collaboration signifies a strategic effort to bolster defense capabilities and promote deterrence against regional threats.

Recent progress within AUKUS includes Australia's selection of ASC Pty Ltd. and BAE Systems for submarine construction and sustainment, as well as ongoing training initiatives for Australian sailors and civilians in defense operations.

AUKUS has also made strong progress on multiple components of advanced technologies and capabilities, she said, noting that this month will be the launch of the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum, and last month was the inaugural AUKUS Pillar II Innovation Challenge on electronic warfare, "a collaborative initiative between respective innovation accelerator units."

In the trilateral statement, the three countries said they seek to maximize the strategic benefits of the AUKUS partnership to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

They went on to state Australia's acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability is a necessary response to the rapidly evolving strategic environment. Strengthening their trilateral defense capabilities and their industrial capacity will enable AUKUS partners to deter coercion or aggression in the region more effectively.