Propulsion and Deterrence: The Nuclear Dimensions of AUKUS and the Bridging of Alliances

By Robert Bell

05.05.2023

AUKUS promises to contribute significant enhancements to allies’ conventional defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and to do so in a manner that complies with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone. Deterring an adversary’s aggression during the interim period before AUKUS is fully realised will continue to require an appropriate balance of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, coupled, in the case of China, with a coordinated strategy of diplomatic engagement. US strategy should therefore prioritise completing the modernisation of the US Strategic Triad. The United States, United Kingdom and Australia should concentrate on fully implementing AUKUS “Pillar 1” and “Pillar 2” plans while continuing to encourage and expand other critical cross-alliance “bridging” activities. Trying to evolve AUKUS into a notional “Pillar 3” nuclear-sharing posture would, however, raise daunting political and military hurdles and under current circumstances would not therefore be an advisable goal.

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This publication is supported by the Australian Government through a grant by the Australian Department of Defence. The views expressed herein are those of the experts and are not necessarily those of the Australian Government or the Australian Department of Defence.