Trump could scrap Aukus deal
The United States is considering ending a nuclear submarine pact with the UK and Australia, in what would be a major blow to a security alliance between the countries.
The Pentagon launched a review of the 2021 Aukus submarine deal to decide if the US should cancel the project, the FT reported, citing six people familiar with the matter.
The assessment is being led by Elbridge Colby, a defence department official and former Trump campaign aide, who has raised questions about Aukus.
It comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday insisted the US would supply Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, amid growing concern that production is not rolling out quickly enough.
Under the Aukus deal signed to great fanfare in 2021, Washington, London and Canberra are cooperating on the joint development of cyber warfare tools, artificial intelligence and hypersonic missiles.
The agreement commits the United States to building cutting-edge submarines for Australia, an investment with an estimated cost of up to $235 billion over 30 years.
Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines from the United States within the next 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own nuclear-powered subs.
The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year.
Critics question why the United States would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first.
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