Indo-Pacific Competition Goes Underwater

Weapons sales have long been a part of security partnerships around the world. The closer the relationship, the more advanced and complex the equipment that can be shared. Sellers may also use such sales to create dependence and enhance their influence in the buying country. These two different approaches can be seen in recent submarine deals in the Indo-Pacific, where China and the U.S. are vying for influence.

In September 2021, Australia, the U.K. and U.S. announced their intention to establish a new military and technology-sharing pact. Known as AUKUS, the accord centers on a decision to provide Australia with the technology to construct nuclear-powered submarines to replace its aging Collins-class diesel-powered boats. The move was not without controversy, hurting Australian relations with France, with whom Canberra had made a US$66 billion deal for 12 conventionally powered Attack-class subs in 2016. The French boats, based on the Shortfin Barracuda design, were selected over offerings from Germany and Japan.

Australian defense officials said the about-face was due to a significantly changed security environment in the Indo-Pacific. Rapid military modernization in the region, and China in particular, rendered the original plan obsolete. Nuclear-powered submarines would be faster, more powerful, stealthier and better equipped to take on the coming regional challenges, the officials said.

To read more of Military Periscope's latest report, click here.