AUKUS Defence Ministers Meet in London

Defence Ministers from Australia, the USA, and the UK convened in London for a historic meeting, marking the first trilateral AUKUS meeting held outside the US. The ministers discussed the significance of the AUKUS partnership and initiated negotiations on a new bilateral treaty between the UK and Australia aimed at defining their defence relationship for decades to come. This treaty will establish a framework for cooperation on the SSN-AUKUS program, which focuses on delivering nuclear-powered submarines, with the UK set to begin construction in the late 2020s and Australia by the early 2040s. The agreement is anticipated to generate billions in UK exports and support over 21,000 jobs, significantly boosting the UK economy. Additionally, recent breakthroughs in defence trade are expected to streamline exports of up to £500 million annually, enhancing economic ties among the three nations.