President Donald Trump voiced his support for the trilateral AUKUS agreement today, even suggesting the US is accelerating the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, reports Breaking Defense.
„Starting to really move along.”
Trump, alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House, stated that the submarines being built for Australia are „starting to really move along.” When asked about expediting delivery, Trump said, „we’re doing that,” although he did not provide a timeline.
Reassurance After Review Concerns
These comments could reassure Australia and Great Britain, the other AUKUS member, after the Pentagon’s surprise announcement this summer of a review of the deal to ensure it meets „America First criteria.”
The review, expected to conclude this fall, will likely lead to recommendations from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on strengthening Pillar I and making it more „sustainable.”
AUKUS Pillars
AUKUS consists of two pillars: Pillar I, involving the sale of US-made Virginia-class submarines to Australia and the creation of SSN AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines for the UK and Australia; and Pillar II, a broader initiative to jointly develop cutting-edge technologies.
Concerns have arisen due to the US shipbuilding industrial base already struggling to meet US Navy demands.
Making the Deal „Better”
Navy Secretary John Phelan stated that the goal of the AUKUS review is to improve the original deal and clarify ambiguities, aiming for a „win-win for everybody.”
Albanese Praises Partnership
Albanese praised the current deal and noted discussions about „taking it to the next level.” He also thanked the Trump administration for its support of the „so important” defense and security partnership.
