ARMY AL&T
in the three countries, as measured in speed, accuracy and effec- tiveness.
Te partnership is defined by two pillars. Te first pillar, according to DOD, is “to enable Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability,” and, in fact, the Australia Defence Force is currently scheduled to receive eight nuclear submarines starting in the 2030s.
Te second pillar expands on this arrangement, acknowledging that the combined capabilities of the three countries make them stronger in a region where China’s emergence as a global power is perceived as a security threat. Its purpose is to ensure cooperation to develop and provide advanced capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Tese advanced capabil- ities encompass artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic weapons, undersea warfare and cybersecurity.
QUANTUM AS SENSORY SUPERPOWER Quantum computing, in particular, will play a major role in the future development of sensors and its importance cannot be over- stated. Complex computations that would take a “traditional” supercomputer 47 years can be done by a quantum computer in mere seconds.
Tis will make it possible for AUKUS to realize the detection of microscopic changes in magnetic or electric fields, so that enemy missiles, aircraft, submarines or underwater mines can be identified much earlier than was previously possible. It will enable more precise navigation systems, including those in envi- ronments where GPS cannot function. Quantum power will bring about more accurate mapping of enemy territories and contested environments, improving intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities. More secure encryption will also be possible, facilitating ultra-secure commu- nications among allies. Perhaps most significantly, commanders will be able to make better decisions based on real-world condi- tions and complex scenarios involving land, air, sea, space and cyberspace simultaneously.
In recognition of this potential, AUKUS has an official Quan- tum Arrangement focusing specifically on positioning, navigation and timing.
AUKUS INTEROPERABILITY In addition to countering military risks in the Pacific, AUKUS focuses on coordinating interoperability among its three partners
and working together on advanced technology innovations that will strengthen the defenses of all three countries. Increasingly, customized battlefield sensors, integrated into U.S. Army archi- tecture, are key to these innovations.
Tis trilateral partnership among allies also fosters the devel- opment of a “Common Tactical Picture” system, enabling commanding officers to reach better, faster and more coordi- nated decisions. Commanders have clearer and more complete information at their disposal, they have it faster so they can reach decisions more quickly and they can share this informa- tion instantaneously with their counterparts in AUKUS.
STRENGTHS IN PARTNERSHIP Each partner brings its own expertise to the program. Te U.S. has deep research capabilities in quantum technologies, AI and autonomous systems such as drones. Te U.K. has a well-regarded quantum research program, as well as expertise in electronic warfare and command and control systems. Australia also has strengths in quantum physics but is now focused on develop- ing undersea sensor capabilities through the AUKUS Undersea Robotics Autonomous Systems project.
By sharing research findings, the three partners can pool their resources and avoid costly duplication while optimizing resource utilization. Tey can also share data in the development and testing of new sensors across varied domains—land, maritime, air and cyber. Tis makes sense for large-scale projects in tech- nological innovation, which require specialized equipment and multimillion-dollar investments.
Te challenges they face may be new, but they have been facing common threats for more than a century. Shared information about these threats can only work to the benefit of AUKUS. Tis shared data needs to be communicated smoothly and synchronously, utilizing a common standard to maximize interoperability. Hence the need for sensors that are compati- ble across their respective military forces, which happens when they are developed jointly.
“Our partners can provide updates and additions to the stan- dard, and the implementation to make it better in a dynamic way, which is always a good thing to have in collaboration,” Moulton noted.
Equally important, system standardization should not affect operators in the three countries. “Once standardization has been implemented, Soldiers using the equipment, the end users,
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