The United States has conducted a robust internal review of the AUKUS agreement. This review is intended to bring the agreement more into line with the “America First” agenda espoused by former President Donald Trump. This review only became public in June. It sought to identify new avenues for strengthening AUKUS, which is incredibly important for Australia given its present efforts to rapidly modernize its aging submarine fleet. This review will help allay Australian officials’ concerns about the pact’s long-term viability. More importantly, they should feel confident in its sustainability moving forward.
The AUKUS pact, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom and United States Collectively, they lay the groundwork for Australia to produce its own nuclear-powered submarines. This highly ambitious undertaking even involves the incorporation of technology still in development among all three countries. Crucial unanswered questions remain on whether Australia can successfully ready itself with these game-changing submarines. The difficult timeline in the memorandum of understanding makes feasibility even more of a question mark.
Key Findings of the Review
The independent review of the US Defense Department’s own first years of ARIA were an exercise in deep consultation with both Australia and the UK. It followed intensifying lobbying from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for Australia to raise its defence spending. Those in the Australian government and military have warmly greeted the review’s findings. They had been concerned that the Trump administration would leverage the ongoing pact to drive a dramatic increase in Australia’s defense spending.
“Consistent with President Trump’s guidance that AUKUS should move ‘full steam ahead,’ the review identified opportunities to put AUKUS on the strongest possible footing,” – Sean Parnell
The review found the AUKUS pact to be in America’s national security interests. This alignment goes to the heart of the pact, reassuring Australia of the strength of its strategic partnerships in a rapidly deteriorating global security environment. With the statutory authority enacted by Congress in 2023 remaining intact, Australia is set to acquire between three and five Virginia-class submarines from the US starting in 2032.
“The statutory authority enacted by Congress in 2023 will remain intact, including the sale of three Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032.” – John Phelan
Future Steps for Australia
Australia’s new commitment to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines is a profound bet on advanced military capability. This decision ends a long-standing policy and signals a major change in the country’s defense posture. The first element of this strategy involves purchasing American-built submarines. It demands a big, upfront investment to grow the submarine workforce, industrial base and productive capacity.
Democrat Congressman Joe Courtney makes the case for AUKUS with fervor. To increase trilateral collaboration, he established the bipartisan AUKUS Working Group. He reiterated how important it is to adhere to the important milestones in the agreement. CHICAGO – Making progress on the monumental investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law depends on smart implementation.
“The report correctly determined that there are critical deadlines that all three countries have to meet. Therefore, maintaining disciplined adherence to schedule is paramount.” – John Phelan
Courtney touched upon the need to grow resources and capacity. This expansion is badly needed to deliver on growing submarine fleet needs of both the US and Australia.
“Expanding the submarine workforce, supply chain and facilities to even greater capacity is the clear pathway to meet the demands of US submarine fleet requirements and those of our ally Australia.” – Joe Courtney
Reassurances Amid Concerns
As Australia moves forward with its plans under AUKUS, there remains a sense of nervousness regarding potential political shifts and changing priorities. From the standpoint of the AUKUS agreement’s resilience, this was not great news. It has outlasted three changes of government in each of the countries involved.
“It is important to note that the 2021 AUKUS agreement has now survived three changes of government in all three nations and still stands strong,” – Joe Courtney
That recent review makes clear that the hard work of Congress and our Australian partners is just beginning. Collectively, they will need to work hard to achieve the ambitious objectives set by AUKUS. This commitment will be crucial as Australia begins this exciting and historic undertaking to ramp up its defense industrial base.
“The AUKUS report reaffirms that Congress and our Australian allies must continue that effort to achieve the goals of AUKUS,” – Joe Courtney
