Overview

• Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense John Noh told senators the AUKUS review began in July and is expected to conclude this fall.
• Noh said options are being considered to adjust Pillar I to make it more sustainable, with specific recommendations to follow the review’s findings.
• Lawmakers voiced concerns, with Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker questioning the review process and pressing the Pentagon on Taiwan weapons transfers.
• Pillar I currently envisions selling at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia before the UK and Australia field SSN-AUKUS, a plan complicated by U.S. shipbuilding strain.
• Pillar II focuses on joint development of advanced technologies and could eventually include partners such as Japan, South Korea, Canada and New Zealand, while Taiwan policy debates continue after a reported $400 million aid cancellation and Noh’s call for Taipei to spend more on defense.