Trump Administration Reviews Biden-Era AUKUS Submarine Pact With Australia, UK

President Donald Trump's administration has initiated a formal Pentagon-led review of the AUKUS defense pact, originally established under the Biden administration, which enables Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines. This review aims to ensure the pact aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and could disrupt Australia's defense strategy amid growing tensions over China's military expansion, as well as complicate the UK's planned submarine fleet expansion. Critics within the Trump administration, including Pentagon policy advisor Elbridge Colby, have expressed concerns about the scarcity of U.S. military submarines and questioned the wisdom of transferring such a critical asset to Australia given its importance in potential confrontations with China. The AUKUS pact, formed in 2021, also covers advanced weapons like hypersonic missiles and represents a key element of regional security cooperation. Official communications on any changes to the pact will be made through appropriate channels. Both Australia and the UK have yet to publicly respond to the review announcement.