Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to (a) implement the objectives of Pillar Two of the AUKUS partnership and (b) increase collaboration on (i) artificial intelligence, (ii) quantum technologies, (iii) cyber and (iv) other advanced capabilities.

The UK remains staunchly committed to AUKUS. Working with Australia and the US, we are committed to addressing the most important military challenges each nation faces, delivering cutting-edge capability advantage, and enhancing interoperability.

We have set the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council (I-JROC) as the primary body to inform AUKUS Pillar Two’s focus on operational requirements most relevant to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. This allows us to prioritise joint efforts where our capability needs align.

The UK works with US and Australian colleagues on a range of capability areas including artificial intelligence & autonomy, quantum, cyber, undersea warfare, electronic warfare, hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and innovation.