Sign in Subscribe
Foreign ministers

Australia and UK Sign 50-Year Treaty to Strengthen Ties Amid US Uncertainty

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a bid to enhance their strategic partnership in the face of American tariffs and Pentagon review, Australia and the UK will sign a historic 50-year treaty to cement their Aukus submarine pact. While the US is not a party to the new treaty, which will be signed on Saturday, the move re-affirms UK and Australia ties. The treaty is expected to facilitate greater economic co-operation, improving both countries' industrial capacity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The treaty will be signed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles and UK Defence Secretary John Healey, in the wake of the annual Aukmin talks in Sydney.
  • The pact aims to strengthen UK-Australia ties, particularly in the context of American tariffs and the Pentagon's review of the Aukus agreement.
  • Australia will pay about $4.6bn to support British industry to design and produce nuclear reactors to power the Aukus-class submarines.
  • The new Aukus-class nuclear submarines will be built first in the UK, with Australia's first Aukus boat expected to be in the water in the early 2040s.
  • The agreed Aukus program will see Australia purchase at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US, with the first expected to be delivered in the early 2030s.
  • The treaty comes as the Pentagon reviews the Aukus deal, which has been thrown into doubt by the Trump administration's launch of a review into the deal.
  • Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australia-UK ministerial talks were critical to the nations' shared interests.
  • UK High Commissioner to Australia, Sarah MacIntosh, noted that the strike group's arrival was a demonstration of commitment to the region and the strong relationship with Canberra.

The UK-Australia relationship has been deemed "like no other" by Mr Lammy, who stated, "Our anchoring friendship has real impact in the protection of global peace and prosperity."

Statistics:

  • $4.6bn: Australia's financial contribution to support British industry to design and produce nuclear reactors to power the Aukus-class submarines.
  • $368bn: The total value of the Aukus program.
  • 50 years: The duration of the treaty between Australia and the UK.
  • Early 2030s: The delivery time for the first three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US to Australia.
  • Early 2040s: The construction time for Australia's first Aukus-class submarine built in the UK.
  • 1997: The last time the UK sent a carrier strike group to Australia.

Sources:

  • Australian Associated Press
  • Ben Doherty

Read more