South Korea is in talks with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to share advanced military technology through the AUKUS partnership. The possibility was discussed during meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne.
The AUKUS agreement, formed in 2021, involves the United States and the United Kingdom providing Australia with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology to counter China’s military presence. The collaboration could extend to security technologies like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems through AUKUS Pillar 2.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik expressed his appreciation for the invitation from the AUKUS partners, emphasizing that South Korea’s defense science and technology capabilities could contribute to regional peace and stability through AUKUS Pillar 2 development. Japan is also considering becoming part of AUKUS Pillar 2’s technology sharing.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Japan as part of the Quad security dialogue involving Australia, the United States, and India. Marles sees this as a positive step forward in the region’s strategic landscape and an opportunity for Australia to engage with Korea and Japan in upholding the rules-based order in the world.
