The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are considering sharing advanced military technology with South Korea through the AUKUS partnership, according to South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik. Shin stated that discussions on this possibility took place during meetings between South Korea and Australia’s defense and foreign ministers in Melbourne. The AUKUS agreement, formed in 2021, involves the US and UK providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines to counter China’s increasing military presence.
The partnership could potentially expand to include cooperation on various security technologies like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems under the AUKUS Pillar 2. Shin expressed welcoming of South Korea’s invitation from the AUKUS partners and mentioned that South Korea’s defense science and technology capabilities could contribute to regional peace and stability through AUKUS Pillar 2 development.
Japan is also in the process of formal talks to join AUKUS Pillar 2 for technology development and sharing. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles commended South Korea’s efforts to strengthen ties with Japan, highlighting the strategic significance of such collaboration in the region. Marles emphasized that cooperation between Korea and Australia aims to uphold the rules-based order in the region and globally.