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Big dollars likely to head Archers way from AUKUS funding

More countries could be welcomed into the next stage of AUKUS, which will focus on co-operation in areas ranging from hypersonic weapons to quantum computing, a United Kingdom minister says.

Alex Chalk's comments were in response to a question in parliament from opposition defence spokesman John Healey, who asked him to provide an update on the defence pact's second line of effort.

The first pillar of the partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States includes Australia getting its first nuclear-powered submarines.

The second one includes co-operation on advanced cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing.

"These are essential capabilities which can be delivered before the new AUKUS subs enter service," Labour MP Healey said.