Australia and the United Kingdom strengthen defence industry ties and AUKUS cooperation at bilateral dialogue

Ministers reaffirmed the deep and longstanding partnership between both nations, built on shared values and common strategic interests. They also reaffirmed their enduring commitment to the generational AUKUS partnership, aimed at supporting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond while strengthening collective deterrence.

Reflecting on the increasingly challenging global security environment, the Ministers agreed that closer industrial cooperation is required to develop, produce and sustain advanced capabilities. They emphasised the need to preserve peace and prevent conflict through strengthened collaboration.

Ministers welcomed progress since AUKMIN 2025 in cooperation on Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technology, including exploring the potential use of Australian AESA technologies in the United Kingdom. They agreed to undertake targeted risk reduction activities in the near future to inform subsequent decisions.

The Ministers noted Australia’s invitation for the UK to observe MQ28A testing at Woomera in 2026 and agreed to explore future demonstrations in the United Kingdom. This builds on a recent successful test firing of an Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, alongside agreement to strengthen cooperation on directed energy weapons and software-enabled planning systems.

Reaffirming the importance of resilient, secure and integrated defence industrial bases, the Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation on resilient energetics supply chains and the supply of munitions and energetics to the UK. They also discussed collaboration on critical minerals, improved information sharing and joint research to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure access to strategically important materials.

Recognising the role of steel industries in delivering SSN-AUKUS submarines, the Ministers agreed to explore options to maximise opportunities to strengthen the collective steel industrial base. They further agreed to work towards more frictionless defence trade, including addressing barriers such as mobility, security clearances and cyber security standards, including for AUKUS.

The Ministers acknowledged that progress will require coordination across government and committed to championing practical, near-term improvements. They directed their departments and encouraged agencies beyond Defence to prioritise measures enabling deeper industry collaboration, including reforms supporting mobility and harmonised standards.

Welcoming the arrival of HMS Anson in Perth, Western Australia, the Ministers described the deployment as a major step in delivering the Optimal Pathway under AUKUS. The visit supports future UK submarine rotations and contributes to Australia’s development of sovereign capability to operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

They also welcomed the expansion of Australian personnel embedded at BAE Systems’ Submarines Shipyard in Barrow, alongside placements within the UK Ministry of Defence and industry partners. Ministers noted progress in reactor manufacturing for Australian and UK SSN-AUKUS submarines and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening integration of both nations’ submarine industrial bases.

Ministers welcomed upcoming targeted trade missions, including an ASA-led mission aligned with the Underwater Defence Technology Tradeshow in London, and joint supply chain activities in Adelaide and Perth. They also recognised the importance of advanced capabilities development under AUKUS Pillar II, with a focus on accelerating projects tied to near-term warfighting objectives.

Reaffirming support for Ukraine, the Ministers restated their shared commitment to assisting Kyiv in defending against Russia’s aggression. Australia confirmed its support to explore UK weapons testing at Australian ranges, noting the importance of validating long-range systems that may assist Ukraine on the battlefield.

In conclusion, Ministers welcomed the strong momentum in Australia–UK defence industrial cooperation and agreed that the Dialogue will remain a key forum for progress. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sovereign industrial capacity, promoting interoperability and delivering advanced capabilities to safeguard the security and prosperity of both nations.