Australia Commits $800 Million to AUKUS Submarine Deal, Trump Supports

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed President Donald Trump's support for the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal during a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, following Australia's first $500 million payment to enhance the U.S. submarine industry. The deal, which includes the purchase of Virginia-class submarines and the eventual construction of AUKUS-class submarines, aims to bolster defense cooperation amid concerns about China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth emphasized the importance of the defense industrial base and expressed hope that the submarines would be delivered on time, with the first expected in the early 2030s. This meeting marked Hegseth's first with a foreign counterpart since taking office, highlighting the ongoing commitment to the trilateral AUKUS alliance formed in 2021. Marles expressed satisfaction with the progress in submarine construction and sustainment, reflecting a positive outlook on the partnership. The total investment from Australia under this agreement is projected to reach $3 billion.