Ahead of the next major milestone in the United States-United Kingdom-Australia security pact known as AUKUS, the U.S. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); ADS, the U.K. trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space organisations; and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) today released a joint paper outlining steps to reduce the trade, regulatory, and bureaucratic barriers that could hinder the historic partnership.
To successfully operationalize the AUKUS security pact, the three organizations urge the U.S., the U.K., and Australian governments to work with industry to: 1) enhance trade and technology transfers; 2) eliminate bureaucratic and regulatory barriers impeding the timely delivery of capabilities; 3) build shared, robust, and resilient trade and contracting systems; and 4) share workforce talent and expertise and strengthen international collaboration.
"As the producers and exporters of next-generation capabilities, the aerospace and defense industry will play an integral role as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia take our historic partnership from concept to reality," said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of AIA. "Ukraine demonstrated that our current regulatory and bureaucratic systems are not designed to maximize speed, innovation, or technological integration – all of which are required to deter and prepare for future conflict. Through close coordination with our counterparts in the United Kingdom and Australia, we have identified pathways to reduce barriers to cooperation, deliver high-end capabilities faster, and make AUKUS a success."
"Rising geopolitical tensions require us to adapt rapidly to an ever-evolving threat environment while supporting a more resilient, sustainable, and high-tech society alongside our natural allies," said Kevin Craven, ADS Chief Executive. "In this, the landmark partnership of AUKUS means international industry, Government, and the ADS-AIA-Ai Group trade associations must join forces to further collaborate in implementing the agreement, and ensuring operational success, whilst enhancing our three industrial bases. The U.K. is the second largest defence exporter in the world, providing our allies with outstanding defence capabilities. Stronger international partnerships will ensure the protection of the freedoms we value, and our continued security and stability."
Mr Innes Willox, Chief Executive Ai Group, said, "This groundbreaking partnership with the AIA and ADS trade associations represents a significant milestone in growing the international defence industry voice, cementing our industry relationships with the U.S. and the U.K. and creating the practical steps to implement AUKUS from an industry perspective. The AUKUS security agreement will provide a new level of national security for Australia. However, there are important issues that must be addressed to underpin success, including reducing trade barriers, creating a cohesive industrial base and building the workforce. It is time to bring industry to the table to deliver the AUKUS capabilities that will be so fundamental to our national, regional and international security," Mr. Willox said.
Please click here to see the AIA-ADS-Ai Group document, Industry's Trilateral Take on Defining Success for AUKUS.
About the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
For more than 100 years, the American aerospace and defense industries have shaped the world around us in countless ways with immeasurable impact. The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has been that voice since 1919. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact and empowering its future. Media Contact: Marta Hernandez, Senior Director of Communications, +16302918686
About ADS
ADS is the U.K. trade organisation representing the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors, with more than 1,200 member businesses. Media Contact: Joscelyn Turner, Media and PR Manager, 07860 853 349
About Ai Group
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group®) is a peak national employer organisation representing traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors. We have been acting on behalf of businesses across Australia for 150 years. Ai Group has many members in the defence sector and its supply chains and also runs the Ai Group Defence Council which is the peak national representative body for the Australian defence industry. Media contact: Tony Melville, Head of Corporate Affairs – 0419 190 347
