Defence Minister Lloyd Austin met with the heads of the Australian and British defence departments at the US Defence Technology Centre in Silicon Valley on Friday to sign a new agreement to boost technology cooperation and information sharing, according to Voice of America.
The goal of the agreement is to be able to better address global security challenges, provide defence against rapidly changing threats, and to “contribute to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Austin said the effort would enable rapid acceleration of improvements in drone systems.
The three countries outlined plans for the AUKUS partnership, which will help equip Australia with a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. Under the deal, Australia will buy three Virginia-class submarines from the US and build five new AUKUS-class submarines in co-operation with the UK.
Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister, said there has been tremendous progress in the submarine programme, also Australia, as an island nation, needs better maritime drones and precision strike capabilities.
Grant Shapps said that since China is “undermining the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, we’ve never had a greater need for more innovation.”
High-tech demonstrations were held in the DIU’s large car park and inside the headquarters. A number of projects under development were on display, including a virtual simulator that will help Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 fighter jets and swarming drones being developed for combat operations. Also demonstrated was a new portable pilot training module that will allow instructors in the US to remotely train trainees overseas using a virtual reality headset.
The increased cooperation between the countries comes in the wake of growing concerns over China’s skyrocketing defence spending and rapidly expanding military presence in the region. Last year, Beijing signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands and spoke of the prospect of establishing a Chinese naval base there.
