​The AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and United States has the power to alter the balance of power in Asia. Australia’s involvement in the creation of the next generation of nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines (SSNs) has further strengthened ties between Canberra, Washington, and London. However, critics have questioned the strategic implications, potential costs, and the potential risks of failure. 

This article examines those criticisms and considers how an AUKUS+1 arrangement that involves South Korean participation in Pillar I of AUKUS could help mitigate risks, lower costs, and strengthen the strategic position of each AUKUS member. 

It begins with a discussion of the costs posed by multilateral defence procurement agreements, the benefits that may exist, and the current need for greater surge capacity. Thereafter, it examines the AUKUS deal, the broader context in which it was agreed, and the issues that it faces with costs and capacities in each of the AUKUS countries. It then discusses the varied areas in which South Korea can potentially contribute to Pillar I, including shipbuilding-related cooperation, nuclear cooperation, and broader supply chain-resilience cooperation. It ends with summarizing major findings.​​​