Navy

Japan and Canada tipped to become potential partners as tri-nation Aukus pact expands

The Aukus alliance, consisting of Australia, the UK and the US, is set to expand its collaborative efforts by initiating consultations with other nations.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced Japan's involvement in the alliance's Pillar Two programme.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was also exploring the possibility of joining the second phase of the defence programme.

Aukus, which was established in September 2021, aims to enhance various defence capabilities critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

While Pillar One focuses on the development of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, Pillar Two encompasses advanced military technologies such as quantum advancements, artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities.

"In a more dangerous world, relationships and partnerships like Aukus are more important than ever," Mr Shapps said.

"Aukus nations will assess whether involving like-minded nations like Japan would strengthen the development of capabilities.

"Consultations will begin this year on where potential partners, including Japan, can contribute to and benefit from Pillar Two work."

Japan and the UK are already working together with Italy on the UK's sixth-generation fighter jet programme – the Global Combat Air Programme.

Last year the UK and Japan agreed on a landmark new strategic partnership called the Hiroshima Accord.

Pillar Two is open for collaboration, submarine capability serves as the foundational aspect of the Aukus programme and will consistently involve only the UK, Australia and the United States.

Mr Trudeau, who was speaking at CFB Trenton, a Royal Canadian Air Force base, said Ottawa was considering whether it needs to buy nuclear-powered submarines to better protect Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.