Australia Confident in US Nuclear Submarine Deal Amid Pentagon Review

Australia said Thursday it is "very confident" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review. The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. It would arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, and provide for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Defence Department confirmed Thursday. "I am very confident this is going to happen," Defence Minister Richard Marles replied, when asked if he could still guarantee Australia would get the American submarines. "I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise," he told public broadcaster ABC. "We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."

Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within the next 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The US navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. Critics question why the United States would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge. "That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving," he said. Government forecasts estimate the submarine programme alone could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy. Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, suggested former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact. "Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our Parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?," he posted on X.