Australia and UK Deepen AUKUS Submarine Cooperation to Enhance Strategic and Industrial Sovereignty

On July 26, 2025, Australia and the United Kingdom signed a 50-year Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty in Geelong, further strengthening their defence collaboration under the AUKUS framework.

The treaty, signed at the Geelong Gallery by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and UK Defence Secretary John Healey, aims to support comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in submarine design, construction, operation, infrastructure development, workforce training, and industry integration. The treaty seeks to build a seamless joint defence industrial base and is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Australia has pledged $368 billion AUD toward the AUKUS program, including a recent $800 million payment to the United States—signalling its strong confidence in the agreement’s future. UK officials also emphasized the treaty’s long-term significance for national security and international partnerships. With the U.S. government currently reviewing and reassessing aspects of the AUKUS pact, the strengthened bilateral cooperation between Australia and the UK is seen as particularly vital.