Analyst Asserts Pillar Two of AUKUS Holds Greater Significance Than Nuclear Subs, Yet Faces Challenges
Director of Strategic Analysis Australia Michael Shoebridge says that the technology exchange aspect of AUKUS is more crucial than the purchase of nuclear-propelled submarines. Despite this, the technology exchange part is facing challenges.
Pillar Two of AUKUS, which involves technology exchange between the United States, Australia, and the UK, offers greater benefits to Australia than Pillar One—the acquisition of nuclear-propelled submarines. However, it is currently “bogged down” by regulations, according to a prominent strategic analyst.
According to Shoebridge, the United States is not equipped to deliver the submarines promised to Australia. This echoes concerns raised in a recent report to Congress by the U.S. Congressional Research Service.
Shoebridge stated, “At the moment, the United States does not have the capacity to produce ballistic missile subs and attack subs at the rate required to meet its own demands. It has been working on increasing production rates for around five years, but progress has been slow.”
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