The AUKUS defence pact, established in 2021 under Joe Biden's administration, is a landmark security and defence partnership designed to develop a new fleet of nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines for both the United Kingdom and Australia. This alliance, which also encompasses collaboration on various advanced technologies, is widely perceived as a strategic effort to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

However, the pact is currently undergoing a review by Donald Trump's administration. Prominent sceptics, including Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s former top policy advisor, have raised concerns. A US official confirmed that the review is part of an initiative to ensure that this undertaking from the previous administration aligns with the President's 'America First' agenda. Any adjustments to the administration's stance on AUKUS will be communicated through official channels when deemed appropriate.

Under the terms of the agreement, Australia is slated to acquire up to five US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines beginning in 2032. Following this initial phase, the UK and Australia are set to jointly design and construct a new class of submarine with significant assistance from the United States. Despite the ongoing review in the US, Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence on Thursday that the pact would proceed as planned. He noted that such reviews are a natural occurrence when new governments take office, characterizing AUKUS as a multi-decade plan that will span multiple administrations.

The review comes ahead of an anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the fringes of the G7 summit in Canada. During this meeting, security allies are expected to discuss a request from Washington for Australia to significantly increase its defence spending, from 2% to 3.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). For the UK, AUKUS is central to its ambitious plan to expand its submarine fleet, with projections of up to 12 new attack submarines being built for the Royal Navy under a deal estimated to be worth more than £175 billion.

It is noteworthy that at the time of its signing, all three participating nations—the US, UK, and Australia—were led by different heads of government. Despite the change in leadership, the partnership continues to receive support. In May, the new US ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, publicly affirmed his backing for the initiative, emphasizing the vital nature of the US-UK relationship for both countries and for global stability. A UK government spokesperson further reiterated the strategic importance of AUKUS, describing it as one of the most significant partnerships in decades, crucial for supporting peace and security not only in the Indo-Pacific but also in the Euro-Atlantic, while simultaneously fostering job creation and economic growth across all three nations.