AUKUS Is Still Australia’s Defence Game-Changer, If We Keep Our Eye on the Ball
With all the headlines lately about missed meetings, delayed diplomacy, and uncertainty over the AUKUS pact, it’s easy to feel discouraged. As someone working in Defence marketing and deeply invested in the health and momentum of our local industry, I’ve felt it too.
But here’s what I keep coming back to: the AUKUS opportunity for Australia is still real, still massive, and still within reach.
AUKUS: More Than Just Submarines
Let’s start by clearing something up: AUKUS isn’t just about nuclear-powered submarines. That’s the headline, sure, but the pact also opens up huge collaboration across advanced capabilities like:
Quantum technologies
Hypersonics
Cyber defence
Artificial intelligence
Undersea warfare
Long-range strike systems
Each of these areas presents not only strategic value for Australia’s defence posture but real commercial opportunities for our local defence industry, SMEs, universities, and the tech ecosystem.
Political Lag ≠ Industry Stagnation
Yes, it’s frustrating that Prime Minister Albanese has yet to lock in a face-to-face with President Trump. Diplomatic leadership matters, especially when dealing with a U.S. administration that values direct, personal engagement. And yes, we need more visible momentum at the top.
But while politics slows down, industry doesn’t have to.
We’re already seeing Australian companies forming joint ventures, investing in next-gen R&D, and preparing their workforces for the future AUKUS will help shape. The Defence Strategic Review laid the groundwork, and AUKUS can drive the implementation if we stay focused and engaged.
An Opportunity to Build Sovereign Capability
One of the most exciting elements of AUKUS is what it could mean for sovereign capability. We’re talking about:
Boosting advanced manufacturing in regional Australia
Creating skilled defence jobs that last for decades
Securing Australia’s role in global defence supply chains
Building resilience against geopolitical and supply-chain shocks
This isn’t just about defence, it’s about long-term national capability. The kind that strengthens both security and economic resilience.
The Message to Industry: Stay Ready
Despite the noise, now is not the time for the Australian defence sector to pause. If anything, it’s time to double down. Prepare for deeper U.S. collaboration. Invest in workforce upskilling. Stay visible and proactive. The doors AUKUS opens won’t wait forever, but they’re still very much open.
In Summary
Diplomatic signals matter, and I still believe the Prime Minister must secure a meeting with Trump, and soon. But let’s not mistake delay for demise.
AUKUS is still the most significant strategic and industrial opportunity our nation has seen in a generation. The Defence Industry, and those of us who help tell its story, need to stay focused, positive, and prepared to deliver.
Kind regards,
Emmeline