In Bangkok, Australia’s defense minister reassured Thursday that the trilateral pact with the U.S. and Britain for nuclear-powered submarines remains stable despite reports of a Pentagon review. Richard Marles, Australia’s Defense Minister, emphasized to Sky News Australia that he was informed about the deal’s review well in advance. Marles described it as a routine action for new administrations to undertake.
He pointed out that the agreement, a key element of the AUKUS alliance, had already been evaluated by the UK government following their election and was also scrutinized as part of Australia’s comprehensive defense review. Marles stated confidently, “An incoming government examining this is perfectly within their rights, and we welcome the collaboration.”
Originally forged in 2021 during President Joe Biden’s tenure, this $200 billion accord aims to enhance Australia’s maritime capabilities in light of China’s expanding naval strength. As part of this arrangement, the U.S. committed to supplying Australia with several Virginia-class submarines during the interim period of constructing new submarines collaboratively.
Earlier in the year, Australia had already made an initial payment of $500 million to the U.S. under the AUKUS agreement to support the growth of American submarine production. Marles, after engaging with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a defense gathering in Singapore two weeks prior, expressed his confidence in the deal’s progression, affirming, “AUKUS is progressing as planned, meeting all established deadlines.”
Hegseth, in his defense summit address, frequently acknowledged the U.S.-Australia partnership, although he initially omitted AUKUS. Later in dialogues, he did reference the deal. He also passionately called upon Indo-Pacific allies to elevate their defense investments while emphasizing the necessity for a robust and capable network of allies to effectively counterbalance China’s influence.