Defence Committee holds first AUKUS evidence session
The Defence Committee holds its first session in its AUKUS inquiry, hearing from expert witnesses Sophia Gaston and Dr Sidharth Kaushal.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia.
This evidence session is likely to explore whether Pillar 1, which will see Australia acquire its first nuclear-powered submarines, is on track. Questions may focus on the announcement in the Strategic Defence Review that the UK will acquire up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Meeting details
Members will also discuss Pillar 2, which facilitates broader cooperation on cutting-edge technological advancements. Questions are likely to focus on whether there is sufficient clarity around its delivery and funding. The session may also discuss Pillar 2’s role in countering the dominance of China
This evidence session will ask whether geopolitical changes since the launch of AUKUS in 2021 have impacted the partnership.