Now, the Biden administration has formally begun their own review of AUKUS. Photo credit: US Navy This defense agreement, created in 2021, brings together the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This trilateral agreement was specifically formed against the backdrop of increasing alarm about China’s increasing aggression and economic reach in the Indo-Pacific region. AUKUS aims to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities by facilitating the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, a move that represents Australia’s largest defense project to date.
The review was first reported by the Financial Times. It comes as the U.S. seeks to recalibrate its commitments in this highly strategic partnership. AUKUS is going to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. For one, this program is central to Great Britain’s long-range plan to increase the size of its submarine fleet. Britain recently made big investments to strengthen its own submarine industrial base. This is set to improve production facilities at the UK’s third yard in Barrow, BAE Systems as well as at Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Derby facility.
According to the current AUKUS construct, the U.S. intends to start forward rotations of those submarines in 2027. These rotations will be conducted from a new naval base to be established in Western Australia. Britain is looking forward to receiving its first submarines from this partnership in the late 2030s. At the same time, Australia eagerly awaits delivery of its first submarines in the early 2040s. Australia intends to purchase as many as five additional U.S. Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032.
The partnership is not limited to acquisitions. Britain and Australia join forces to design and construct a new generation of submarines, with assistance from the United States. This monumental project is a great representation of Australia’s serious intent to strengthen its defense capabilities. Canberra can be on the hook to invest A$368 billion (about $240 billion) over the next three decades.
A spokesperson for Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized the benefits of AUKUS, stating, “AUKUS will grow both US and Australian defense industry as well as generating thousands of new manufacturing jobs.” This feeling represents the national mood to promote economic development through defense-related projects.
Fisher has no doubt his strategic importance has not escaped the attention of British officials. A government spokesperson described the partnership as “one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades,” highlighting its potential impact on security and economic prosperity across all three nations. They noted that it could lead to “jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.”
The future review process has caused alarm among friends down Canberra and London way. Kathryn Paik remarked that “this review most definitely makes our allies in Canberra and London concerned, and could cause them to doubt US reliability as an ally and partner.” Such apprehensions are fueled even more by concerns that any reform would serve to unintentionally advance China’s strategic aims.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed skepticism about the project’s future, suggesting that “more likely than not that Australia will not end up with any submarines at all, but instead, simply provide a large base in Western Australia for the American Navy and maintenance facilities there.” His comments highlight a growing gap between the expectations and reality of Australia’s submarine capability.
In his testimony, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored how important it is to keep our strongest alliances as part of this review process. He stated, “We’re having honest conversations with our allies,” emphasizing that the U.S. aims to ensure that Australia integrates effectively with American military capabilities while using its new submarines.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine warned, “Anything less would play directly into China’s hand,” indicating that a strong response from AUKUS partners is essential for countering potential threats in the region.
