AUKUS Pillar II explained

Pillar 2 is the advanced-technology half of AUKUS. Here is what it covers, how it is run and what has actually been announced.

Last updated 22 Oct 2026

AUKUS has two pillars. Pillar I is Australia's path to conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Pillar II covers the development and delivery of advanced capabilities. Defence describes Pillar II's mission as speeding up that work, with a particular focus on near-term warfighting objectives ^[1]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.

What Pillar II covers

When the partnership was announced in 2021, the leaders named cyber, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and additional undersea capabilities ^[2]. In April 2022 they set out eight working areas ^[3]:

Undersea capabilities, including autonomous undersea vehicles
Quantum technologies, starting with positioning, navigation and timing
Artificial intelligence and autonomy
Advanced cyber
Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities
Electronic warfare
Innovation, meaning faster use of commercial technology
Information sharing

Checked 22 Oct 2026 against the 2021 statement and the 2022 fact sheet.

Defence's own page today groups the technology focus into six areas: quantum, advanced cyber, electronic warfare, undersea warfare, autonomy and AI, and hypersonics and counter-hypersonics ^[1]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.

How the work is organised

Much of Pillar II is experiments, trials and shared standards rather than big purchases. The ministers have also said much of the activity remains classified ^[4]. Checked 22 Oct 2026. The public pieces include:

Maritime autonomy experiments. A trilateral experimentation and exercise series, endorsed in December 2023 ^[5]. Checked 22 Oct 2026. The October 2026 Maritime Big Play in San Diego is the largest demonstration so far ^[6]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
Innovation challenges. The first, on electronic warfare, launched on 26 March 2024 ^[4]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
Industry and investors. An AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum and a Defence Investors Network, both launched in 2024 ^[4]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
Export controls. A US ITAR exemption, in effect from 1 September 2024, removes the need for many individual licences between authorised users in the three countries ^[7]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
Signature project. Announced on 30 May 2026: payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles, with delivery starting in 2027 ^[8]^[9]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.

Other countries

In 2024 the partners set principles for bringing other countries into individual Pillar II projects. With Japan, the first area of cooperation is making maritime autonomous systems work together ^[10]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.

Why it is harder to follow than the submarines

Progress shows up as test results, exercises and rule changes rather than delivery dates. Our Pillar 2 updates log tracks each public milestone.

Frequently asked questions

What is AUKUS Pillar II?

Pillar II is the AUKUS work on developing and delivering advanced capabilities, alongside Pillar I, Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program. Defence says its mission is to accelerate that work with a focus on near-term warfighting objectives.

What are the Pillar II technology areas?

The April 2022 fact sheet lists eight: undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, AI and autonomy, advanced cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, electronic warfare, innovation, and information sharing.

Is Japan part of AUKUS Pillar II?

Japan is not an AUKUS member. In September 2024 the ministers announced consultations with Japan on making maritime autonomous systems work together, as an initial area of cooperation on Pillar II projects.