TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES REVIEW OF SUBMARINE DEAL WITH AUSTRALIA

In a major shift that could reshape Pacific defence strategies, the Trump administration has initiated a formal review of the AUKUS defence pact signed under former President Joe Biden. The trilateral agreement among Australia, the UK, and the US was designed to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines as a counter to China’s growing naval power.
A US defence official told the press that the review aims to assess whether the agreement aligns with President Trump’s “America First” agenda. Analysts warn the review could jeopardize the complex defence plans underpinning AUKUS, which includes forward deployment of submarines in Australia starting 2027 and joint development of new-generation vessels by the 2040s.
The UK and Australia have both reaffirmed their commitment to AUKUS, describing it as a cornerstone of their strategic defence outlook. However, critics within the US—including Pentagon policy adviser Elbridge Colby—have voiced concerns that American shipyards cannot meet both domestic and foreign submarine demand.
Submarines, described as the “crown jewel” of modern deterrence, are critical to US strategic dominance across the First Island Chain in Asia, from Japan to the South China Sea.
Australian and British officials say they remain in close communication with Washington, urging continuity in the pact. AUKUS is seen by many as a litmus test for the US commitment to its allies amid growing Chinese assertiveness.