The United States has officially started a detailed review of the AUKUS submarine agreement. This pact, involving the US, Australia, and the United Kingdom, was signed to help Australia build and operate nuclear-powered submarines. These submarines would help Australia better protect its waters and work closely with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
United States Begins Formal Review of AUKUS Deal
This review is not a cancellation of the deal but a check to make sure it fits with the current US government’s priorities. The new US administration has said it wants all major agreements to support what it calls the “America First” strategy. This strategy focuses on ensuring that American interests come first, especially when it comes to national security and military readiness.
A senior defense official from the US explained that the agreement, which was originally made under a previous administration, is now being re-examined. The goal is to ensure that the sharing of high-level submarine technology with another country still benefits the United States.
This review is being led by a senior Pentagon official who has earlier raised concerns about giving away what some call the “crown jewel” of American defense technology. These concerns are largely based on the growing global tensions and whether the US should hold on to its best military tools during such uncertain times.
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Australia Says Deal Remains on Track
Australia has responded to the news of the US review with calm and confidence. Officials there have said that the agreement is still strong and necessary for the country’s long-term defense needs. According to Australia’s defense leadership, it makes perfect sense for the US to review such a large and complex deal, especially when a new government takes over.
Australian officials pointed out that the need for long-range submarines is clear just by looking at the country’s map. Australia is located in a vast region of the ocean, and having submarines that can stay underwater longer and travel farther is important for safety and security.
Australia also highlighted that this plan is expected to unfold over many decades. Governments will change during that time, and it’s only natural that new leaders may want to double-check such a major decision. Still, Australian authorities expressed full confidence that the AUKUS agreement will move ahead as planned.
Details of the AUKUS Agreement and Production Issues
The AUKUS agreement, signed in 2021, is a major security pact between the US, UK, and Australia aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Under the deal, Australia will receive nuclear-powered submarine technology, becoming only the second country after the UK to gain such access from the US.
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The plan includes Australia purchasing up to three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s, with an option for two more. Later, Australia and the UK will jointly design and build a new AUKUS-class submarine, sharing construction work. The total cost is projected at 368 billion Australian dollars (about 239 billion US dollars), expected to generate thousands of jobs in both nations.
Australia has already paid $500 million to support upgrades in US shipyards and is scheduled to pay another $2 billion in 2025. However, the US is reviewing the deal due to production delays in its submarine program and concerns about meeting its own fleet needs while supplying Australia.
There are also questions about long-term maintenance and Australia’s defense spending. The US wants Australia to raise its defense budget from 2% to 3.5% of GDP; Australia has committed to increasing it to 2.3%.
Despite the review, officials from all three countries reaffirm their support for AUKUS. While China criticizes the pact as destabilizing, the allies see it as a vital security partnership. The review is ongoing.