South Korea considers joining alliance to share military technology with Australia, USA and UK

MELBOURNE, Australia — South Korea is considering sharing advanced military technology with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia through the so-called AUKUS partnership, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said.

Shin said the possibility was discussed during two days of meetings between the defense and foreign ministers of South Korea and Australia, which ended in the Australian city of Melbourne on Wednesday.

The United States and the United Kingdom agreed in 2021 to provide Australia with a fleet of submarines powered by US nuclear technology under the AUKUS agreement to counter China’s growing military presence. AUKUS is an acronym for Australia, United Kingdom and United States.

Countries could engage in cooperation on a broader range of security technologies, including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and hypersonic systems, through what is known as Pillar 2 of AUKUS.

Shin welcomed South Korea’s invitation from the three AUKUS partners.

“We welcome the fact that AUKUS members regard Korea as an AUKUS Pillar 2 partner and Korea’s defense scientific and technological capabilities will contribute to the peace and stability of AUKUS Pillar 2 development and regional peace.” , Shin said through a translator.

Japan is also moving towards formal negotiations to become part of AUKUS Pillar 2 technology development and sharing.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles welcomed South Korean efforts to develop its relationship with Japan, which together with Australia, the United States and India form a security dialogue known as the Quad.

“We see this as a very, very positive step forward in the strategic landscape of the region and represents a huge opportunity for Australia to engage with both Korea and Japan,” Marles told reporters.

“Korea and Australia are working together to defend the rules-based order in our region and, indeed, the world,” Marles added.