Aerospace Defence Security Space

AIA, ADS and AiGroup partner to support AUKUS

Posted 8 March 2023

Ahead of the next major milestone in the US-UK-Australia security pact known as AUKUS, the US Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), ADS, the UK 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.

Image courtesy ADS

To successfully operationalise the AUKUS security pact, the three organisations urge the US, the UK, 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.

Kevin Craven (above), ADS Chief Executive said: “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.

“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 UK 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.”

“As the producers and exporters of next-generation capabilities, the aerospace and defence 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 maximise 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.”

Mr Innes Willox, Chief Executive Ai Group, said: “This ground-breaking 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 US and the UK 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.”