Is AUKUS is driven by strategic concerns or entrenched interest of military industrial complex?

AUKUS—the new trilateral security arrangement between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom has increased the chances of a split in the transatlantic alliance by making a clear distinction between the roles of the maritime and continental spheres. The military pact has reduced the military role of Quad in the Indo–Pacific. A ruptured West and a weak Quad are likely to make China and Russia happy.

Afghanistan has been put on a pause. AUKUS—the new trilateral security arrangement between the United States (US), Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK), is the talk of the town. The agreement clearly indicates that Australia has made its choice to consider China as an adversary and partner with the US in containing it.

The pact facilitates the construction of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines by Canberra in collaboration with Washington and London. The more advanced underwater boats will enable projection of Australian naval power in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).