Overview
- The Pentagon completed a five‑month review led by Elbridge Colby and said it found opportunities to put AUKUS on its strongest possible footing in line with President Trump’s guidance to move full steam ahead.
- The review reaffirms plans for U.S. sales of three Virginia‑class submarines to Australia beginning in 2032, according to briefed lawmakers, while emphasizing that success hinges on meeting critical milestones.
- Officials highlighted constraints in the U.S. submarine industrial base and called for expanded workforce, supply chains and production capacity to meet both American fleet needs and Australia’s acquisition.
- The document is classified and not expected to be released publicly; Australia has received it and is working through the findings ahead of ministerial talks in Washington next week.
- Australian ministers said the project is hitting major milestones, as Canberra pursues defense delivery reforms and continues funding commitments that support U.S. shipyards and joint goals under AUKUS.