You know when one of your besties invites a third party to your intimate brekkie catchup? That’s kinda happening with AUKUS… The great big security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US could be expanded after American officials said they were in talks to potentially involve “various” other countries in the agreement’s 2nd phase. Under the first phase of the 4-part deal, Oz is set to receive a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. That leaves a lot of options for phases 2, 3, and 4… White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell yesterday said there is “huge potential” for other nations to contribute “practical” military advancements in areas like cybersecurity and hypersonic technology (aka missiles that go real fast…). While he didn’t name those countries, Canada and New Zealand have both expressed an interest in getting a slice of the AUKUS pie. And with the US Navy still not meeting its own sub production targets, maybe more hands on deck isn’t a bad thing…