UK and Australia set to elevate defence relationship to NATO level with new ‘status of forces’ agreement

ABC News, by Defence correspondent Andrew Greene, 21 Mar 24

In short: UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps are in Australia to discuss efforts to help Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and the AUKUS partnership to deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
It’s expected the two parties will sign a new “status of forces” agreement, which establishes the framework under which military personnel can operate in a foreign country.
What’s next? The first Australian-built submarine is scheduled to arrive in the early 2040s.

……………………………………… During formal meetings in Canberra on Thursday, and then at AUKMIN in Adelaide on Friday, discussions are expected to focus on efforts to help Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and the AUKUS partnership to deliver nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

“If the United Kingdom signs a ‘Status of Forces’ agreement with Australia it will be the first such arrangement it has done so with any country outside NATO,” an official familiar with AUKMIN planning told the ABC, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

A Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, is either a multilateral or bilateral agreement and establishes the framework under which military personnel can operate in a foreign country.

It can also shape how domestic laws of that jurisdiction apply towards them while posted there.

…………………….The Australian and British ministers will head to Adelaide late Thursday ahead of a “significant” announcement on sovereign submarine shipbuilding in Adelaide.

British defence giant BAE Systems, which is currently constructing Australia’s Hunter-class frigates, is widely anticipated to be announced as the main builder for the new SSN-AUKUS submarines to be assembled in Adelaide.

BAE Systems currently builds the Royal Navy’s submarines in northern England and already has a considerable presence in Adelaide.

The first Australian-built submarine is scheduled to arrive in the early 2040s.

Following the submarine announcement, all four ministers will go behind closed doors for their AUKMIN talks, before a joint press conference in the afternoon. …. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-21/uk-and-australian-to-strengthen-military-ties/103613164
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