The Pentagon has initiated a review of the Aukus security alliance with the UK and Australia to ensure it aligns with President Donald Trump's 'America first' agenda, throwing the future of the $240bn (£190bn) agreement into doubt. The review may heighten allied anxiety over the trilateral pact, which was designed to counter China's military rise and is crucial for Australia's submarine fleet renewal.
A Pentagon official confirmed the review, stating: 'The department is reviewing Aukus as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the president’s “America first” agenda. This means ensuring the highest readiness of our service members, that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defense and that the defense industrial base is meeting our needs.' The review is reportedly led by undersecretary of defense Elbridge Colby, a known Aukus skeptic who previously posted that it 'would be crazy' for the US to have fewer nuclear submarines in a Taiwan conflict.
The 2021 Biden-era agreement would see Australia acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines, with the US selling up to five Virginia-class vessels from 2032, followed by a new joint submarine class in the early 2040s. However, the deal's survival now appears uncertain, as Trump himself seemed unfamiliar with the acronym during a February visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asking: 'What does that mean?'
The UK government responded cautiously, stating: 'Aukus is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies. It is one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades... It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK did last year.' The review follows US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's demand that Australia increase military spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged only 2.4%.
Australia has already paid nearly A$800m (£410m) this year to boost US submarine production, with a further A$2bn (£1bn) due by year-end, and has committed A$368bn (£190bn) over three decades. Hours before the review news broke, the UK announced a $7.69bn (£6bn) investment in its nuclear submarine industrial base. Aukus represents the most substantial military cooperation between the three nations in generations, extending beyond submarines to include hypersonic missiles and advanced weapons technology.
