UK-Australia relationship of ‘strategic benefit’

Defence Minister Michael Fallon and Australian Minister for Defence Industry Chris Pyne have met to discuss defence co-operation and innovation.

Alongside Minister for Defence Procurement Harriet Baldwin, Fallon discussed the joint operations carried out by both the UK and Australia, and highlighted the important partnership the two nations share as members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Five-Eyes Intelligence alliance.

As part of the UK-Australia export relationship, the Type 26 Global Combat Ship has been shortlisted for Australia’s Future Frigate programme.

During his visit, Minister Pyne also met with a number of representatives from the MOD, Defence Equipment and Support, and yesterday visited Rolls Royce and BAE Systems.

Fallon said: “The UK’s Defence relationship with Australia remains close and strong. After operating together in Afghanistan and Iraq, we are now working together to tackle the threat of Daesh in the Middle East and brutal terror they spread around the world.

“Britain’s defence and intelligence relationships with Australia and the close bonds we share support our mutual interests and help make both Britain and Australia safer and more secure.”