In a big week for UK-US relations, our Defence Director Samira Braund headed to Washington DC for the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum, alongside several of our peer trade organisations. Read on for her reflections on a momentous week for the special relationship…
Having just returned back from Washinton DC to attend the first AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum (ACIF) for 2025, I welcomed Secretary of State The Rt Hon. John Healey MP speech at the London Defence Conference today, on the Government’s focus to reboot and build momentum and delivery in Pillar II. This resonated with the conversation in Washington, both at the Trade Association workshop, the ACIF and UK Embassy discussions.
I was pleased to hear that the Governments are developing an overarching AUKUS G2G MOU to help address some of the barriers industry faces. The session also focused on agreeing GOV & Industry priorities and expectations, a brief on Pillar I activities and areas where industry can help build resilience in the supply chain, strengthening the enabling areas including workforce mobility and planning for DSEI London with the launch of the AUKUS Pavilion.
A number of key engagements, supported my trip including the US Chamber of Commerce reception, the Australian Defence Attaché ACIF reception and the UK Trade Associations meeting with the UK embassy on opportunities for delivery.
The Government has committed to AUKUS, we now await the SDR and Sir Stephen Lovegrove report, to determine the key recommendations on capabilities and technologies under Pillar II.
