The Pentagon's reassessment of the Aukus agreement raises questions about the future of U.S.-Australian defense collaboration amid regional tensions.
Review of AUUKUS Pact Sparks Concerns Over U.S.-Australia Alliances
Review of AUUKUS Pact Sparks Concerns Over U.S.-Australia Alliances
Trump administration scrutinizes nuclear submarine deal, emphasizing “America First” policies.
June 11, 2025, 10:01 p.m. ET - The Trump administration has initiated a review of the Aukus pact, a security agreement between the United States, Britain, and Australia that aims to provide Australia with nuclear submarines. A U.S. defense official stated that the review will determine if the deal aligns with President Trump's "America First" agenda, emphasizing a skeptical approach toward traditional alliances.
Initially agreed under President Biden in 2021, the Aukus agreement was viewed as pivotal in countering China's increasing military assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region. However, the current review signals a shift toward ensuring allied nations are contributing adequately to their own defense. The Pentagon is looking to assure that U.S. forces maintain readiness and that the defense industrial base remains strong.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles conveyed that both Australia and the U.K. are aware of the review process and expressed their commitment to the agreement. He stated, “It’s natural for an incoming administration to do this,” highlighting Australia's confidence that the Aukus deal will remain intact as it is crucial to their defense strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The deal includes plans for Australia to receive secondhand Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the U.S. by the 2030s and develop its own submarines based on a U.K. design. However, concerns have been voiced regarding the U.S.'s ability to efficiently produce submarines for transfer to Australia, leading to potential delays in enhancement of Australia’s naval capabilities.
Substantial skepticism regarding the practical aspects of the deal has been expressed by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, who stated during his Senate confirmation hearing in March that production speeds and numbers must meet demand to avoid complications.
Anxiety regarding the ongoing strength of U.S.-Australian relations has been palpable, as the approach of the Trump administration toward allies remains uncertain. Minister Marles reassured that cooperation with the United States is in both nations' interests, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to the Aukus deal.
In Washington, Michael D. Shear contributed to this report from The New York Times, where Victoria Kim serves as the Australia correspondent from Sydney.
Initially agreed under President Biden in 2021, the Aukus agreement was viewed as pivotal in countering China's increasing military assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region. However, the current review signals a shift toward ensuring allied nations are contributing adequately to their own defense. The Pentagon is looking to assure that U.S. forces maintain readiness and that the defense industrial base remains strong.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles conveyed that both Australia and the U.K. are aware of the review process and expressed their commitment to the agreement. He stated, “It’s natural for an incoming administration to do this,” highlighting Australia's confidence that the Aukus deal will remain intact as it is crucial to their defense strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The deal includes plans for Australia to receive secondhand Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the U.S. by the 2030s and develop its own submarines based on a U.K. design. However, concerns have been voiced regarding the U.S.'s ability to efficiently produce submarines for transfer to Australia, leading to potential delays in enhancement of Australia’s naval capabilities.
Substantial skepticism regarding the practical aspects of the deal has been expressed by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, who stated during his Senate confirmation hearing in March that production speeds and numbers must meet demand to avoid complications.
Anxiety regarding the ongoing strength of U.S.-Australian relations has been palpable, as the approach of the Trump administration toward allies remains uncertain. Minister Marles reassured that cooperation with the United States is in both nations' interests, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to the Aukus deal.
In Washington, Michael D. Shear contributed to this report from The New York Times, where Victoria Kim serves as the Australia correspondent from Sydney.
