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20h ago

Trump Administration Starts 'America First' Review of AUKUS Submarine Pact

Australia reaffirms its commitment to the $368 billion deal as Washington evaluates its alignment with presidential defense goals alongside industrial priorities.

Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783) off the coast of Western Australia in March. The U.S. is reviewing plans to buy submarines from Australia under a 2023 defence pact.
The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might
US Navy personnel stand a top USS New Hampshire (SSN-778), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 29, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Pentagon has initiated a formal review of the trilateral AUKUS pact to ensure it aligns with the president’s 'America First' agenda.
  • Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for policy and a noted skeptic of the deal, will oversee a 30-day evaluation of its strategic and industrial implications.
  • Australia has committed A$368 billion over 30 years to AUKUS, including at least US$3 billion to shore up US submarine shipyards.
  • US defense leaders are pressing Canberra to raise its military spending toward 3.5% of GDP as part of the ongoing discussions.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to discuss AUKUS and burden-sharing with President Trump at next week’s G7 summit.