Overview
- Britain and Australia formalized a 50-year bilateral accord to underpin AUKUS submarine programs and support up to £20 billion in British exports.
- Canberra has contributed A$1.6 billion so far, delivering a second A$800 million installment this quarter as part of its A$2 billion pledge by year-end.
- The Pentagon’s open-ended review led by Under Secretary Elbridge Colby continues to evaluate whether the pact aligns with “America First” industrial and strategic priorities.
- Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a bipartisan letter to sustain the trilateral pact as a key deterrent against China.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will host UK counterparts in Sydney and then travel to Darwin for AUKMIN consultations during the Talisman Sabre exercises.