Executive summary
- The AUKUS agreement is a core part of British foreign and defence policy, with benefits which will significantly advance the United Kingdom’s (UK) strategic interests, both at home and overseas. However, AUKUS is not guaranteed smooth sailing, particularly given the incoming American administration, potentially sceptical of the depth of American involvement.
- His Majesty’s (HM) Government will need to mitigate the risks to the AUKUS agreement. It should take actions to manage this risk and give AUKUS the best chance of success, but it would be wise also for the UK to have a Plan B for future submarine capability.
- HM Government should work with industry to ensure that there is sufficiently broad investment in the facilities, infrastructure, supply chains, and personnel needed to construct future submarines.
About the author
Dr Emma Salisbury is Sea Power Research Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: Audacious Under Construction, Ministry of Defence, (Open Government License)
No. 2024/38 | ISBN: 978-1-914441-91-2