The AUKUS partnership, announced in 2021, is designed to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It consists of two pillars, including a long-term programme to deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and a second pillar focused on advanced capabilities.
The second pillar is expected to deliver more immediate operational benefits. BAE Systems said this includes collaboration on cyber, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, quantum technologies, hypersonic systems and undersea warfare.
Cyber capability is identified as one of the original six areas under Pillar 2. The company said its role extends across both pillars, including supporting secure design and operation of nuclear-powered submarines.
BAE Systems emphasized that cyber security must be integrated from the earliest stages of development. It said secure-by-design principles should be embedded across design, construction and operational phases.
The company noted the sensitivity of technologies involved in AUKUS. It highlighted the need to protect intellectual property, design data and critical systems in a multi-national collaboration environment.
BAE Systems also stressed the importance of supply chain security. It said cyber protection must extend across defence infrastructure and industrial partners involved in the programme.
The company pointed to parallels with other international programmes such as the Global Combat Air Programme. It said lessons from trilateral cooperation should inform AUKUS implementation.
The AUKUS agreement defines cyber cooperation as strengthening protection of communications and operational systems. It also includes improving resilience of autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled systems.
“The most significant defence, security, and diplomatic agreement the UK has entered in the past 60 years,” said the UK Ministry of Defence, referring to the AUKUS partnership.
BAE Systems said global competition in cyberspace is increasing among both allies and adversaries. It highlighted the need for rapid innovation and collaboration to maintain an advantage.
U.S. cyber strategy documents emphasize achieving operational superiority in cyberspace. The United States has also stressed the importance of working closely with allies and industry partners.
“Work closely with our allies, partners, and industry to make sure we have the right cyber capabilities, cyber security and cyber resilience to help deter conflict, and to fight and win if deterrence fails,” U.S. officials said.
BAE Systems said effective cyber capabilities are essential for deterrence in modern conflict environments. It added that initiatives such as AUKUS provide a framework for strengthening collective defence through shared expertise and cooperation.
Source: BAE Systems Australia.
