Utilizing the pretext of the “China threat,” the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are reportedly broadening their AUKUS military collaboration beyond nuclear-powered submarines to include anti-submarine systems featuring drones and artificial intelligence (AI), along with space tracking. Experts caution that these sensitive fields could potentially trigger an arms race, raising concerns on Sunday.
Defense chiefs from the three nations convened at the US military’s Silicon Valley defense technology hub on Friday to establish a new agreement, aiming to bolster technology cooperation and information sharing as a next step in expanding the AUKUS partnership, according to an AP report on Saturday.
The increased cooperation is allegedly fueled by growing apprehensions about China’s expanding defense spending and rapidly growing military presence in the region, as per the AP claims.
In addition to the nuclear-powered submarines in the original AUKUS deal, the newly proposed agreement outlines military exercises involving undersea and surface maritime drones. It also aims to enhance the capabilities of the three countries to share intelligence and data collected by sonobuoys, which are instrumental in detecting submarines and other underwater objects, as per the AP report.
Artificial intelligence, including its application on P-8A surveillance aircraft, will be employed to expedite the processing of data from sonobuoys, thereby enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities, according to the AP.
Observers speculate that the trilateral cooperation emphasizes concerns over China’s advancements in submarine technology and undersea detection capabilities, as reported by The Wall Street Journal in late November.
By integrating AI technologies, the three countries seek to unify their anti-submarine systems, enabling faster and more accurate judgments in joint anti-submarine operations. The establishment of new radar sites is also part of the plan to bolster their ability to detect and track objects in deep space, according to the AP report.
With the US already having a space force, the collaboration aims to enhance space monitoring capabilities through data and intelligence sharing with the UK and Australia. This, experts suggest, prepares for potential joint space military operations.
Critics argue that the primary goal of such cooperation is to form a military alliance under the guise of the “China threat,” enabling the three countries to strengthen defense ties, expand military prowess, and undertake provocative actions.
An anonymous Chinese military expert expressed concerns, stating that the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine deal has already jeopardized nuclear nonproliferation. The addition of sensitive projects such as military-focused AI and space militarization could lead to a dangerous arms race in the region and set a negative precedent globally, the expert noted.
Analysts urge the international community to recognize the hegemonic aims of the three countries and remain vigilant against their military initiatives.