New report highlights key failings in AUKUS programme

A new report from the UK Defence Committee says that the government must be more proactive in supporting the AUKUS programme, offering recommendations to ensure its success.   

Published on 28 April, the report says that the programme’s “failings” will hinder its delivery, including a potential lack of investment.  

According to the report, funding for AUKUS is in jeopardy due to decreasing public awareness and support. This is because of waning political leadership, which has “faded” since the programme’s inception. It says that the UK prime minister must therefore do more to champion AUKUS and maintain investment.  

The report also suggests releasing a public version of Sir Stephen Lovegrove’s review of AUKUS, completed over a year ago.  

“This reflects poorly on the government and is damaging to stakeholder and public confidence,” it says, noting that the review would help to increase public interest in the programme.  

Further challenges to AUKUS delivery 

Aside from investment, the report questions progress in other areas. It outlines that there is “a possible barrier” because many of the AUKUS technologies are subject to export controls, with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations causing concern.  

While reforms to export control regimes have been made, the government has made a “disappointingly slow” start on exemptions for UK companies, including SMEs. The report calls for more exemptions to be quickly granted.  

Additionally, increased Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) visits to Australia are required. However, the report notes that UK submarine availability is “critically low”, which is compounded by “deepening concern” regarding Royal Navy readiness.  

This report follows comments made during a session at UDT 2026 in London, where industry partners involved in AUKUS highlighted the collaboration hurdles the programme is currently facing. 

Aside from collaboration challenges, the report is calling on the government to invest further in the UK’s only submarine manufacturing facility in Barrow-in-Furness, which belongs to BAE Systems and will play a vital role in SSN-AUKUS construction. While it has already received some investment into its advanced manufacturing capabilities, the government must contribute to the town’s rejuvenation to attract the high-skilled workforce required.  

A lack of recognition regarding workforce movement bottlenecks due to the programme’s trilateral nature is also hindering the programme, the report says. “The government must urgently remove barriers to workforce mobility across the AUKUS partners, beginning with security clearances,” it says. The implementation of an ‘AUKUS visa’ should also be considered, according to the report.  

Looking ahead, the report says that reputational damage from Pillar I of the programme may create roadblocks for Pillar II, which focuses on advancing the development of emerging and disruptive technology. Any plans to include further nations in Pillar II must be put on hold until “tangible results” can be seen from Pillar I.  

It also notes that the government must involve SMEs more directly in Pillar II, to capitalise on their “agility and innovation”.