CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
Photo licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Australia and the United Kingdom share one of the world’s deepest strategic relationships – but in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment, that partnership is taking on new significance.

Australia and the United Kingdom share one of the world’s deepest strategic relationships – but in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment, that partnership is taking on new significance.

In this episode of Contested Ground, Phillip Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by acting British high commissioner to Australia Dr Brian Jones to unpack the future of AUKUS, the UK’s growing Indo-Pacific focus, and the security challenges binding the two nations more closely together.

They also explore the enormous industrial opportunity behind AUKUS, the role Australian businesses and technology can play in UK and allied defence supply chains, and why economic, technological, and national security cooperation is becoming increasingly inseparable.

It’s a wide-ranging discussion on deterrence, defence industry, sovereign capability, and the enduring trust underpinning the Australia–UK relationship.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team


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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 9: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 7: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 5: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 4: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 3: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for