Overview

• John Noh told senators the Pentagon’s AUKUS review began in July and is slated to conclude this fall.
• Noh said Pillar I of AUKUS could be adjusted to make the submarine pathway more “sustainable,” with specifics to follow when the review ends.
• He flagged U.S. industrial shortfalls, noting Virginia-class output is about 1.2 boats per year versus a target of roughly 2.33 to meet commitments.
• Senate Armed Services leaders criticized the process and said the review came as a distressing surprise to Australia.
• Lawmakers pressed Noh on a reported $400 million cancellation of Taiwan military aid, as he argued Taiwan should increase defense spending, citing a goal of up to 10 percent of GDP.