Overview
The AUKUS security partnership—between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—is reshaping the defence and technology landscape across the Indo-Pacific. Originally announced in 2021, AUKUS has evolved beyond nuclear-powered submarines into a broader commitment to advanced capability sharing, supply chain integration, and technological interoperability. As of 2025, it stands as one of the most significant multinational defence initiatives in the world, unlocking opportunities across defence, cybersecurity, quantum, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
What Is AUKUS?
AUKUS is structured around two primary pillars:
Pillar 1: Support for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines through a combination of UK and U.S. technology transfer, design collaboration, and long-term defence industrial development.
Pillar 2: A broader scope focused on joint development of advanced defence capabilities, including:
Cyber and AI technologies
Quantum technologies
Undersea and autonomous warfare systems
Hypersonics and counter-hypersonics
Information sharing and supply chain security
Why It Matters to Exporters and Tech Providers
The AUKUS framework is not just about governments—it’s about building trusted industrial ecosystems. With a sharp focus on interoperability, innovation, and domestic capability uplift in Australia, the pact opens doors for private sector involvement in:
Defence R&D partnerships
Supply chain localisation
Technology co-development and integration
Workforce and skills exchange programs
As AUKUS initiatives roll out, exporters with cutting-edge defence and dual-use technologies are being actively sought to support both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 objectives.
Key Market Trends in 2025
Growth in Sovereign Capability Projects
Australia is investing heavily in building sovereign defence capabilities, including advanced shipbuilding, combat systems integration, and electronics. This is generating demand for foreign firms to partner with Australian primes or establish local joint ventures.Commercialisation of Emerging Tech
Through AUKUS Pillar 2, Australia is fast-tracking adoption of AI, quantum, and undersea tech—creating opportunities for small to mid-sized companies that can offer specialised, modular, or scalable solutions.Supply Chain Resilience Mandates
As part of AUKUS, all three nations are prioritising defence supply chain security. International firms with cyber-secure platforms, export control compliance, and long-term collaboration models will find growing demand across Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors.Focus on Skills and Industry Collaboration
Workforce development across the three nations is key. Opportunities are emerging for education providers, workforce platforms, and upskilling technology companies to support knowledge transfer in priority areas like nuclear stewardship, engineering, and advanced IT.
How Foley Can Help
Foley supports international defence and tech companies to enter and expand into the Australian market with confidence. Our services include:
Tailored B2B matchmaking with local defence primes, contractors, and agencies
In-market representation at AUKUS-aligned events and trade shows
Regulatory navigation, including ITAR, EAR, and export controls
Market research and capability positioning tailored to AUKUS priorities
Whether you’re supplying precision components, AI-enabled platforms, or workforce solutions, Foley can help you plug into Australia’s evolving AUKUS ecosystem.
Conclusion
AUKUS is more than a defence agreement—it’s a multi-decade platform for innovation, industrial collaboration, and national capability development. For international businesses that align with its vision, the opportunity is substantial—and growing.
With Foley currently supporting two U.S. states in the defence and aerospace sectors, we offer unmatched in-market insights, relationships, and access to opportunity pipelines aligned with AUKUS priorities. Whether you’re a technology exporter, advanced manufacturer, or service provider, we can help you engage with the right stakeholders and accelerate your entry into this strategic ecosystem.
To learn how Foley can help position your business within the AUKUS framework, don’t hesitate to reach out.
