Overview

• Japan’s Nikkei Asia reports the Pentagon review led by Elbridge Colby will conclude before 20 October and keep plans for the U.S. to transfer three to five secondhand Virginia-class submarines to Australia from the early 2030s.
• A U.S. War Department official says the AUKUS initiative remains under review with no updates to announce, leaving the reported outcome unconfirmed.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles express confidence the pact will proceed, noting Australia’s ongoing engagement in the review process.
• The review has focused on U.S. submarine production shortfalls and whether Australia would commit Virginia-class boats to wartime operations, with reports cautioning industrial delays could affect delivery timing.
• Australia has already paid $1.6bn to support U.S. shipbuilding and committed $12bn to upgrade a Western Australian shipyard, underscoring substantial investments tied to AUKUS.