South Korea is considering sharing advanced military technology with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia through the AUKUS partnership. The possibility of this cooperation was discussed during meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne. In 2021, the U.S. and the U.K. agreed to provide Australia with submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology under the AUKUS agreement. South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said that the countries could become involved in cooperation on a wider range of security technologies including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems through what is known as AUKUS Pillar 2.
Shin welcomed South Korea’s invitation from the three AUKUS partners and stated that 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 moving toward formal talks to become part of AUKUS Pillar 2’s technology development and sharing. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korean efforts to build on its relationship with Japan and expressed positivity regarding the strategic landscape of the region. Marles highlighted the opportunity for Australia to engage with both Korea and Japan as they work together to uphold the rules-based order within the region and the world.
The United States and the United Kingdom agreed in 2021 to provide Australia with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology under the AUKUS agreement to counter a growing military presence from China. AUKUS, which stands for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to strengthen security in the region. The potential sharing of advanced military technology with South Korea would further enhance the capabilities of the AUKUS partnership and contribute to regional security.
South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers discussed the possibility of cooperation on various security technologies, indicating a desire to expand collaboration beyond submarines to areas such as artificial intelligence and electronic warfare. AUKUS Pillar 2 offers the opportunity for countries to work together on developing and sharing advanced defense technologies to address emerging security threats in the region. Japan’s interest in becoming part of AUKUS Pillar 2 further demonstrates the partnership’s appeal and potential for broader collaboration.
By considering South Korea as a partner in AUKUS Pillar 2, the AUKUS members are recognizing the country’s defense science and technology capabilities and their potential contribution to regional peace and stability. South Korean Defense Minister Shin expressed willingness to participate in the development of advanced military technologies alongside the AUKUS partners. The inclusion of Japan in discussions to become part of AUKUS Pillar 2 highlights the growing interest in strengthening security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles viewed South Korea’s potential involvement in AUKUS as a positive step forward in the strategic landscape of the region. Marles emphasized the importance of upholding the rules-based order within the region and the world, highlighting the shared commitment of Korea, Australia, and Japan in working together to enhance regional security. The expanding cooperation among AUKUS members and potential partners underscores the significance of multilateral efforts to address security challenges and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
