Gabriel Joel Honrada’s Post

Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the expansion of the AUKUS agreement with the development of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), a ground-based space surveillance initiative. This project involves the US, UK, and Australia collaborating to enhance space domain awareness, particularly by monitoring satellites and space debris. DARC, expected to be operational by the end of this decade, signifies the evolving space-power capabilities of the AUKUS bloc, with the first radar site planned in Western Australia in 2026. Additionally, I explored the broader implications of AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on advanced technologies like AI, autonomy, electronic warfare, hypersonics, and quantum technologies. This expansion beyond the original scope of nuclear-powered submarines underlines AUKUS's commitment to strengthening defense ties and sharing sensitive technologies. My analysis reflects on the strategic significance of these developments, especially considering the great-power competition in space, with potential adversaries like China and Russia rapidly developing counter-space technologies.