The Pentagon on Thursday confirmed its approval of the AUKUS security pact with the United Kingdom and Australia, clearing the way for Canberra to acquire at least three Virginia-class nuclear submarines over the next 15 years. The announcement follows a five-month review of the 2021 deal, which was originally signed under the administration of President Joe Biden and later evaluated by the Trump administration.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the review found the agreement “in alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda” and endorsed moving the pact “full steam ahead.” Parnell added that the review identified opportunities to strengthen the AUKUS framework, ensuring it remains robust and strategically effective.
Congressman Joe Courtney, the top Democrat on the House subcommittee overseeing sea power, welcomed the review’s completion, noting that the AUKUS agreement “has now survived three changes of government in all three nations and still stands strong.” Courtney, who represents Connecticut — home to the United States’ primary submarine manufacturing facility — emphasized that the pact aligns with US national security interests.
The AUKUS pact is designed to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities with advanced submarines and foster cooperation in developing a range of military technologies. The nuclear-powered vessels, set to begin delivery in 2032, are central to Australia’s strategy of expanding long-range strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s growing influence.
The deal could cost Australia up to $235 billion over the next 30 years and includes technology transfers that would allow Canberra to eventually build its own submarines domestically. Australia’s Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy, welcomed the Pentagon’s confirmation, saying the findings support continued constructive engagement to further strengthen AUKUS and improve its performance.
The pact has previously sparked tensions with France, which saw a multi-billion-dollar contract for diesel-powered submarines cancelled in 2021 in favour of the nuclear-powered AUKUS program. Conroy indicated that Australia is reviewing recommendations from the Pentagon’s assessment and will focus on improving the delivery and performance of the program, while leaving decisions on public release of the review to Washington.
The AUKUS agreement marks a key pillar in regional security strategy, enhancing collaboration between the US, UK, and Australia in naval defense, technology development, and deterrence in the Pacific. Analysts say the program underscores Canberra’s commitment to a long-term, high-tech naval capability, while deepening defense ties with its two major allies.
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