Australia and UK Cement AUKUS Partnership with Historic 50-Year Treaty
Australia and the United Kingdom have solidified their commitment to the AUKUS security partnership by signing a landmark bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty, often referred to as the Geelong Treaty. Signed in Geelong, Victoria, by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, this agreement establishes a 50-year commitment to deepen their collaboration under AUKUS Pillar 1, which focuses on Australia's acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
This treaty comes at a crucial time as the broader AUKUS alliance faces scrutiny, including an ongoing review by the United States administration. The agreement underscores the strong bilateral ties between Australia and the UK, and their shared vision for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.
Key Elements of the Geelong Treaty:
The Geelong Treaty is a foundational document designed to enable comprehensive and long-term cooperation on all aspects of the SSN-AUKUS submarine program:
Comprehensive Cooperation: The treaty outlines detailed cooperation on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and eventual disposal of the SSN-AUKUS submarines. This holistic approach ensures that Australia receives the full spectrum of support needed for its future nuclear-powered fleet.
Workforce and Infrastructure Development: It specifically supports the development of the personnel, workforce, infrastructure, and regulatory systems required for Australia's SSN-AUKUS program. This includes joint training initiatives and investment in critical facilities in both countries.
Port Visits and Rotational Presence: The treaty facilitates regular port visits by UK Astute-class submarines to Australia and supports the rotational presence of a UK Astute-class submarine at HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia under the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West). This ongoing presence is seen as a crucial near-term contribution to deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
Resilient Trilateral Supply Chains: The agreement aims to foster the development of resilient trilateral supply chains necessary for the SSN-AUKUS program, highlighting the interconnectedness of the industrial bases of Australia, the UK, and the US.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Importantly, the Geelong Treaty explicitly reaffirms Australia's and the UK's commitment to their respective international nuclear non-proliferation obligations. This includes adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and its Protocols, and Australia's safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It also aligns with the previously signed AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement (ANNPA).
Long-Term Commitment: Described as a "historic agreement," the treaty commits both nations to 50 years of bilateral defense cooperation under AUKUS Pillar 1, solidifying the long-term nature of this strategic partnership.
Impact and Implications:
The signing of the Geelong Treaty carries several significant implications:
Deepening Bilateral Ties: This treaty represents an unprecedented deepening of bilateral defense cooperation between Australia and the UK, building on a long history of shared security interests.
Reinforcing AUKUS Pillar 1: It provides a robust legal and operational framework for the core AUKUS objective of delivering nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia, ensuring a clear pathway for its implementation.
Amidst US Review: The treaty's signing comes as the United States Department of Defense is conducting a formal review of the broader AUKUS alliance to assess its alignment with President Trump's "America First" agenda. Both Australia and the UK have publicly welcomed this review, viewing it as an opportunity for the new US administration to re-affirm its commitment to AUKUS.
Economic Benefits: The program is expected to generate thousands of jobs and substantial economic benefits in both Australia and the UK. The UK Ministry of Defence estimates the treaty could be worth up to £20 billion (27 billion USD) for Britain in exports over the next 25 years. Australia has committed A368 billion over three decades to the program.
Geopolitical Stability: The treaty is presented as a crucial step in supporting stability and security in both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions for decades to come, underscoring the strategic importance of enhanced undersea capabilities to counter evolving geopolitical challenges.
Trilateral Foundation: While bilateral, the Geelong Treaty explicitly states that it builds on the "strong foundation of trilateral cooperation" between Australia, the UK, and the United States, advancing the shared objectives of the overall AUKUS partnership.
The Geelong Treaty signals a resolute commitment from Australia and the UK to press forward with the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, even as the broader alliance navigates evolving political landscapes.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
