AUKUS participation beyond Australia's submarines

Can AUKUS expand to more countries when its main submarine project is nuclear-powered?

Potentially yes: Australia shows that nuclear cooperation can widen, and the uncrewed and component programs offer broader participation than submarine ownership alone.

A nuclear-powered main platform limits the obvious customer base for AUKUS submarines. Australia still demonstrates that the boundary can expand when a country meets the required criteria. AUKUS work on uncrewed systems and components can involve a wider set of participants than the submarine program. Participation in the industrial and technology partnership therefore does not have to mean buying a nuclear boat.