What is AUKUS?
A security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, built around nuclear-powered submarines and shared military technology.
Explainer · Updated 21 October 2026 · 3 min read
The three leaders announced AUKUS in a joint statement on 15 September 2021. They called it an "enhanced trilateral security partnership", meant to deepen cooperation on security and defence capabilities [1].
The work is split in two. Pillar 1 covers the flagship commitment: helping Australia acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. The 2021 statement named this as the first initiative under AUKUS [1], and the leaders set out how it would happen in March 2023 [3]. Our Pillar 1 timeline lists the planned dates.
Pillar 2 is broader and less visible. It covers joint work on undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomy, cyber, hypersonics and electronic warfare [2]. We cover it in Pillar 2 explained.
An "enhanced trilateral security partnership", meant to deepen cooperation on security and defence capabilities.Joint Leaders Statement, 15 September 2021 [1]
What it is not
The submarines are described as conventionally armed. The 2021 statement says the partnership is consistent with each country's nuclear non-proliferation obligations [1].
AUKUS is also not a formal treaty alliance in the way ANZUS or NATO are. It is a partnership on capability and technology.
Why Australians should care
AUKUS will shape Australian shipbuilding, the defence workforce and the defence budget for decades. The Government's cost and jobs figures are on our budget page.
Frequently asked questions
What is AUKUS?
A security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, announced in a joint leaders statement on 15 September 2021 as an "enhanced trilateral security partnership".
What are the two pillars of AUKUS?
Pillar 1 is helping Australia acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Pillar 2 is joint work on advanced capabilities: undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomy, cyber, hypersonics and electronic warfare.
Will Australia's AUKUS submarines carry nuclear weapons?
No. The submarines are nuclear-powered but described as conventionally armed, and the 2021 statement says the partnership is consistent with each country's nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Is AUKUS a formal military alliance?
No. It is not a formal treaty alliance like ANZUS or NATO. It is a partnership on defence capability and technology.