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Security & Defence PLuS is the flagship program of the PLuS Alliance, a global partnership which combines the strengths of three leading research universities on three continents – Arizona State University, King’s College London, and the University of New South Wales – to solve global challenges.

Security & Defence PLuS deepens this partnership, advancing research, education, and policy to support statecraft in the spirit of the 2021 AUKUS trilateral agreement between the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

What is AUKUS?

Negotiated between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the AUKUS partnership strengthens the ability of each country to support mutual security and defence interests by promoting deeper information and technology sharing in nuclear-powered submarines and other advanced capabilities.

Security & Defence PLuS aims to enhance the statecraft of the countries within the AUKUS Partnership by utilising each university’s unique approach to academic scholarship and research.

About Security & Defence PLuS

Brigadier (Ret’d) Dr Ian Langford, DSC and Bars, PhD, is the Executive Director of Security & Defence PLuS. He is supported by a core Security & Defence PLuS team and a senior lead at each partner university.

The major workstreams—research, education, and partnerships—are progressed through three working and delivery groups.

Each group is chaired by an appointed representative from one of the universities and includes active members from all three partners.

More than 60 faculty and staff contribute regularly to the Security & Defence PLuS mission.

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People

Wyn Bowen

Head of the School of Security Studies

Huw Davies

Associate Dean (Professional & Online Education) SSPP

Lauren Mellows

Communications & Engagement Manager, Security & Defence PLuS

Alessio Patalano

Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia

Sarah Tzinieris

Lecturer in Security Studies Education

David Whetham

Professor of Ethics and the Military Profession

Projects

    News

    Deterrence, Defence & Diplomacy: King's and partners host the Indo-Pacific Security Forum

    Security & Defence PLuS hosted the inaugural Indo-Pacific Security Forum on 12 May in Honolulu, Hawaii. The forum was a flagship event delivered through the...

    S&D PLuS whole room

    Leading women in strategy and defence discuss global inflection point

    The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy joined a summit in Arizona to discuss the important role of women in strategy and defence.

    Professor Linda McKie

    PLuS Alliance Chair Professor Malcolm Grant to step down, succeeded by Professor Bashir M. Al-Hashimi

    After years of distinguished leadership, Professor Sir Malcolm Grant will be replaced by King's Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi.

    PLuS Alliance June 2024 Meeting

    King's funds collaborative research into global security and defence challenges

    Space, AI, military ethics, cybersecurity, integrated deterrence and climate change are just some of the topics being explored through nine new projects...

    Seed Grant Feature Image

    Top defence logistics experts including Vice-Admiral feed into project aiming to transform defence supply chains

    Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, delivered a keynote on threats to UK supply chains.

    Defence supply chains workshop

    People

    Wyn Bowen

    Head of the School of Security Studies

    Huw Davies

    Associate Dean (Professional & Online Education) SSPP

    Lauren Mellows

    Communications & Engagement Manager, Security & Defence PLuS

    Alessio Patalano

    Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia

    Sarah Tzinieris

    Lecturer in Security Studies Education

    David Whetham

    Professor of Ethics and the Military Profession

    Projects

      News

      Deterrence, Defence & Diplomacy: King's and partners host the Indo-Pacific Security Forum

      Security & Defence PLuS hosted the inaugural Indo-Pacific Security Forum on 12 May in Honolulu, Hawaii. The forum was a flagship event delivered through the...

      S&D PLuS whole room

      Leading women in strategy and defence discuss global inflection point

      The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy joined a summit in Arizona to discuss the important role of women in strategy and defence.

      Professor Linda McKie

      PLuS Alliance Chair Professor Malcolm Grant to step down, succeeded by Professor Bashir M. Al-Hashimi

      After years of distinguished leadership, Professor Sir Malcolm Grant will be replaced by King's Professor Sir Bashir M. Al-Hashimi.

      PLuS Alliance June 2024 Meeting

      King's funds collaborative research into global security and defence challenges

      Space, AI, military ethics, cybersecurity, integrated deterrence and climate change are just some of the topics being explored through nine new projects...

      Seed Grant Feature Image

      Top defence logistics experts including Vice-Admiral feed into project aiming to transform defence supply chains

      Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, delivered a keynote on threats to UK supply chains.

      Defence supply chains workshop

      Group leads

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