Defence Minister Richard Marles defends AUKUS as Trump review casts shadow over $368 billion trilateral pact

Sky News AU

a day ago

Defence Minister Richard Marles has defended the Albanese government's commitment to AUKUS after the Trump administration launched a review into the $368 billion deal.
The US announced a formal review of the arrangement after the Trump administration called on Australia to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would not react to political pressure on but that he would address defence policy according to need and capability.
The US Pentagon's review was announced on Thursday sparking concerns about the rising uncertainty of AUKUS's future.
'We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review,' Mr Marles said in a statement response to the US review.
'It is natural that the administration would want to examine this major undertaking including progress and delivery.
'Our engagement with the Trump administration and across the full political spectrum of the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS.'
The US Pentagon confirmed it was reassessing the defence pact on Thursday to ensure the initiative meets 'common sense, America first criteria'.
Under the deal, Australia would acquire nuclear power submarines and share advanced technologies with the US in a $368 billion deal over three decades.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy, Malcolm Davis, told Sky News the review was likely tied to the lack of defence spending.
'I think it is (related to calls to lift defence spending) … I think that he (Mr Albanese) does need to do more to increase defence spending,' Mr David said on Thursday.
Responding to a question by Sky News at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Mr Albanese left the door open to increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP.
However, he insisted the decision would be guided by national interest and not external pressure.
'I think that Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. Simple as that,' Mr Albanese said.
'I've made it very clear—we will support the capability that Australia needs. Arbitrary figures lead to a cul-de-sac.
'And we want to make sure as well that every single dollar that defence spends results in actual assets.'
Mr Albanese acknowledged former Defence Chief Angus Houston's recent remarks that 'AUKUS must be a net addition to Australia's military capability", which he said would require lifting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP.
While praising Mr Houston as 'a friend' whose advice he respects, Mr Albanese reiterated that 'no one else' could dictate Australian military policy.
AUKUS was formed in 2021 to address worries about China's growing power—and it would see Australia acquire up to five US Virginia-class submarines from 2032.
Then, Britain and Australia would design and build a new class of submarine, with US assistance.
The Australian Greens have raised concerns that the AUKUS 'deal is sinking' and renewed calls to review the pact.
'Donald Trump is erratic, reckless and careless of America's allies… he puts US interests first and allies last,' Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge said.
'The USA reviewing AUKUS shows what the Greens have been warning about for years - this deal makes Australia a junior partner in America's military strategy, not an equal ally.'
Vocal sceptics among Trump's senior policy officials include Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser.
Mr Colby warned in 2024 that submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and US industry could not produce enough to meet American demand.
Submarines would be central to US military strategy in any confrontation with China cantered in the First Island Chain, from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines.
"My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it," Mr Colby said last year.
Only six countries operate nuclear-powered submarines: the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and India.