The Pentagon announced on Thursday its full endorsement of the AUKUS security pact with Australia and Britain, greenlighting to supply Canberra at least three US Virginia-class nuclear submarines within fifteen years. Furthermore, the Defense Department completed a five-month review affirming AUKUS aligns with President Trump’s national security priorities and America First agenda. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the review identified opportunities to strengthen the pact significantly.
Bipartisan Backing
Congressman Joe Courtney, a leading House Democrat on sea power, welcomed the review’s conclusion. He emphasized the framework now clearly supports vital US national security interests. Courtney noted AUKUS has now endured three government changes across all partner nations successfully. His Connecticut district houses America’s primary submarine manufacturing facility, making him a key congressional champion.
Strategic Shift
The AUKUS agreement centers on arming Australia with advanced US submarines starting deliveries in 2032. These vessels form the cornerstone of Australia’s Pacific long-range strike strategy against China. The entire thirty-year program could cost Canberra up to US$235 billion and includes future indigenous submarine construction technology.
Australian Defense Minister Pat Conroy expressed strong satisfaction Friday that the US review confirmed AUKUS moving “full steam ahead.” He stated Australia would constructively engage with the findings to improve AUKUS delivery and performance constantly. Conroy called the pact a “living agreement” spanning decades requiring ongoing enhancements and adaptations. Australia infamously scrapped a French diesel-submarine deal in 2021 to pursue AUKUS instead. Washington will decide whether to publicly release the full review document.
