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Pentagon Review of AUKUS Weighs Leasing, U.S. Crews and Deployment Guarantees

Australia pledges to collaborate with the Pentagon’s review, rejecting binding commitments on deployments or defense spending.

Former Australian Prime Minister and ASPI President Kevin Rudd gives a speech during the 2017 Asia Game Changer Awards and Gala Dinner in Manhattan, New York, U.S. November 1, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Pentagon’s month-long review of the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact has been extended indefinitely under Undersecretary Elbridge Colby to align the agreement with President Trump’s America First agenda.
  • Proposed changes include leasing submarines instead of fully selling them, embedding U.S. crews aboard the vessels and securing formal guarantees to deploy them in support of American operations.
  • Australia’s ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, said he is confident that all issues raised by the Defense Department will be resolved through close cooperation.
  • Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy reaffirmed that Australia will not precommit troops to any future conflict involving U.S. interests.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined U.S. calls to boost Australia’s defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, insisting that funding levels will be set according to national requirements.