AUKUS Pillar II faces scrutiny five years after launch

September 15, 2026 at 10:39 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Five years after Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced AUKUS, its Pillar II advanced capabilities program faces mounting criticism for failing to deliver fast enough. The partnership aims to jointly develop military technologies including AI, cyber, hypersonics, and quantum. China leads in 69 of 74 technologies deemed critical to strategic competition, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Key Facts

AUKUS was announced five years ago by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Pillar II covers six technology areas: AI and autonomy, cyber, electronic warfare, hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, quantum, and undersea warfare.
China leads in 69 of 74 technologies deemed critical to strategic competition by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Pillar I, focused on Australia's nuclear-powered submarines, is reported to be 'on track'.

Pillar II Objectives

Pillar II, known as Advanced Capabilities, involves collaborative development, fielding, and production of advanced military capabilities in six key areas. These areas are artificial intelligence and autonomy, cyber, electronic warfare, hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, quantum, and undersea warfare. The three AUKUS partners seek greater interoperability and industrial integration among participating countries. Part of this is achieved through co-developing new capabilities designed from the outset to integrate into each country's existing military platforms and processes.

Strategic Context

Developments in each technology area are reshaping how conflicts are fought, as seen in Ukraine and Iran. China is reported to be outperforming the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia in research and innovation in these areas. China leads in 69 of 74 technologies deemed critical to strategic competition by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. AUKUS Pillar II is intended to close this gap by combining each country's strengths in innovation, technology, and industry.