Latest news with #Pentagon-led
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to meet Donald Trump and deliver major defence funding announcements amid AUKUS scare
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to fly to the US for a critical meeting with President Donald Trump and deliver major defence funding announcements as a Pentagon-led snap review threatens the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. On Thursday, the US announced a formal review of the more than $350 billion AUKUS arrangement after the Albanese government resisted demands to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. According to The Australian, Mr Albanese will fly out of Canberra on Friday for a critical week-long trip which will take him to Fiji, Canada and the US. The trip marks the first time Mr Albanese will come face-to-face with President Trump. Mr Albanese will on Friday meet with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and is expected to shake hands on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others. The Pentagon's announcement to hold a 30-day snap review of the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal came as G7 leaders prepare to meet over the weekend. It will be led by Defence Under Secretary for Policy, Elbridge Colby, a vocal sceptic of the arrangement among Trump's senior policy officials. With increasing tensions between the US and Iran, it is understood President Trump is yet to confirm any bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, which includes Mr Albanese. However, The Australian reported government officials in Washington said a meeting between the pair was likely to proceed after Mr Albanese resisted calls to up defence spending. The outlet revealed there were concerns held by the Trump administration over giving nuclear submarines to a country which appeared unwilling to assist in any conflict which may involve Taiwan. Additionally, AUKUS has been viewed as 'Australia's idea' which is at odds with Trump's 'America First' outlook, with the onus on Canberra to now justify its existence. 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. '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.' has contacted the Prime Minister for comment.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
China to kill AUKUS without firing a bullet? Trump's ‘America First' stand behind review of nuclear submarine deal with Australia
President Donald Trump has launched a Pentagon-led review of the 2021 AUKUS pact, which brings together Australia , the United Kingdom, and the United States in a multi-decade effort to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This deal was signed under the Biden Administration , a commitment to give its allies the missing military edge in the form of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. This review marks the first serious reappraisal of the deal since its 2021 announcement and is being undertaken to find the perfect strategy to tackle China's military posturing in the Pacific and South China Sea. Also Read: Trump's US losing its tourist destination sheen, Australia joins growing list of friendly nations dropping America from travel itineraries by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father's Day in Costa Mesa - Travel Costa Mesa Travel Costa Mesa Read More Undo Officials say the review is to ensure the project aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and addresses concerns over resource limits in the US Navy . With the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) modernising rapidly and operating multiple nuclear submarines as well as aircraft carriers, the US forces are getting stretched. Live Events A defense official confirmed that the review will examine America's readiness, allied contributions, and the US industrial base. Why is Trump having second thoughts? Trump's team, led by Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, has questioned the submarine component, known as Pillar I, while supporting broader cooperation in intelligence and advanced technologies. Colby warned that US nuclear submarine capacity may not be sufficient to both supply Australia and meet American needs in a hypothetical conflict on other fronts, such as around Taiwan. This review is normal for a new administration (Trump) to evaluate key defense agreements. Canberra has already committed around A$4 billion toward US production and $500 million upfront. But the review stresses that the US must hit production targets, about 2.33 submarines per year, before transferring vessels. The Australian Government forecast suggests that this submarine program could cost a staggering US$235 billion over 30 years. Trump's approach also uses AUKUS to pressure Australia to increase defence spending significantly, from 2% of GDP to roughly 3.5%. Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles said that AUKUS will stay on track. He called the review 'natural and understandable,' given the change in US leadership. He stressed that Australia has a 'plan' and 'is sticking to it.' The Chinese reaction China maintained its opposition to the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal as the Trump Administration reviewed it to align with its " America First " agenda. Beijing had earlier labeled the deal as driven by 'Cold War thinking' and accused the US, UK, and Australia of embarking on a 'path of error and danger.' Also Read: Trump threatens broader troop deployment if ICE protests and riots spread After the news that the US is reviewing AUKUS, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing on Thursday, June 12, 'China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies." What is AUKUS and what was it meant to serve? The AUKUS pact, short for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a strategic security partnership announced in 2021. Its purpose is to strengthen military capabilities among these three countries and deter threats in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid China's growing influence. The deal, estimated to cost US$239 billion (or A$368 billion) over three decades, is structured around two main pillars. Pillar I: Nuclear Submarines Pillar I will focus on providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, marking a big leap forward from its current fleet of diesel-electric vessels. Only five countries, the US, Russia, China, France, the UK, and India operate nuclear-powered submarines. Australia will build a nuclear submarine base that will be operational by 2027 just off Perth, for $1.7 billion. US and UK submarines will begin short-term rotational deployments to Western Australia by 2027. These deployments are meant to familiarise Australia with nuclear-powered technology and operations. From 2032, Australia will purchase at least three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US, with the option to buy two more if needed. The long-term vision is to create a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines, SSN-AUKUS. The UK and Australia will jointly design these submarines using British blueprints, but with integrated US technology. They will be constructed in both countries and serve both navies. With this part of the plan, the Australian government officials hope to strengthen deterrence, build Australia's domestic defence industry, and deepen military interoperability among the three nations. Pillar II: Advanced Capabilities and Intelligence Sharing This part includes collaboration on artificial intelligence, undersea robotics, long-range hypersonic missiles, quantum technologies, cyber operations, and electronic warfare systems. The arrangement expands on decades of deep intelligence sharing between the US and UK, now extended to Australia. It is designed to give the allies an edge in emerging technologies that are crucial for modern warfare. Together, both pillars of AUKUS aim to reshape the Indo-Pacific security landscape and establish a long-term technological and strategic alignment framework between the three partner countries. What lies ahead for Australia? The Pentagon review is expected to wrap up within 30 days; however, no timeline is given. Its outcome could reshape AUKUS or prompt negotiations over defence spending and industrial commitments. Australia may also consider a fall-back plan if the submarine deal is delayed or altered, though Marles has ruled out mid-course changes. London reiterates AUKUS's strategic value but supports revisiting its terms. For Australia, the review brings uncertainty over its biggest defence project. AUKUS's future role in Indo-Pacific security could be in doubt if the review leads to cancellation or delay.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 12, 2025
US President Donald Trump said on June 11 that the deal with China 'is done' and that the relationship was 'excellent'. PHOTO: REUTERS While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 12, 2025 Deal 'is done', says Trump, on China and US trade truce China and the US agreed to revive a fragile trade truce after two days of talks in London, further defusing tensions between the two geopolitical rivals. US President Donald Trump said on June 11 that the deal with China 'is done' and that the relationship was 'excellent'. Hours earlier, Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who led the negotiating delegation in London, called on the US to 'stay true to your words' and 'demonstrate good faith in keeping promises'. The agreement, which concluded close to midnight on June 10 in London, followed a roller coaster of rising and easing tensions over non-tariff measures, after both sides agreed in May in Geneva to a 90-day truce that sharply lowered tariffs on each other's goods. READ MORE HERE Trump admin launches review of Biden-era Aukus pact President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of a defence pact that former president Joe Biden made with Australia and the United Kingdom allowing Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, a US defence official told Reuters. The launch of the formal, Pentagon-led review is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its own defence as tensions grow over China's expansive military buildup. It could also throw a wrench in Britain's defence planning. The so-called Aukus pact is at the centre of a planned expansion of its submarine fleet. READ MORE HERE Serbia leader in Ukraine for first time since Russia invasion Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who maintains strong ties with Moscow, made his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022 on June 11 and said he supported the country's 'territorial integrity'. The Balkan nation with close historical links to Russia has maintained an official policy of neutrality throughout Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine and has denied arming either side. But in recent days, Russia accused Serbian arms companies of 'trying to stab Russia in the back' by selling munitions to Ukraine. READ MORE HERE Fulbright board resigns citing Trump interference All members of the board that oversees the US State Department's Fulbright Programme, which facilitates international educational exchanges, have voted to resign over alleged political interference from President Donald Trump's administration, the board said on June 11. The Trump administration had unlawfully 'usurped the authority' of the board by denying awards to a 'substantial number' of people who had already been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year through a yearlong, merit-based process, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board said, in a statement posted on the website Substack. The department is also putting another 1,200 Fulbright recipients through an 'unauthorised review process' that could lead to more rejections, according to the statement. READ MORE HERE Brian Wilson, founder of surf band The Beach Boys, dies at 82 Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson, who created some of rock's most enduring songs such as Good Vibrations and God Only Knows in a career that was marked by a decades-long battle between his musical genius, drug abuse and mental health issues, has died at the age of 82. Wilson's family announced his death in a statement on the singer's website. 'We are at a loss for words right now,' the statement said. 'We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.' READ MORE HERE Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Japan Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Today
Trump administration reviewing Biden-era submarine pact with Australia, UK
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and David Brunnstrom U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of a defense pact worth hundreds of billions of dollars that former President Joe Biden made with Australia and the United Kingdom, allowing Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, a U.S. defense official told Reuters. The formal Pentagon-led review is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its own defense as tensions grow over China's expansive military buildup. It could also throw a wrench in Britain's defense planning. AUKUS is at the center of a planned expansion of its submarine fleet. "We are reviewing AUKUS as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda," the official said of the review, which was first reported by Financial Times. "Any changes to the administration's approach for AUKUS will be communicated through official channels, when appropriate." AUKUS, formed in 2021 to address shared worries about China's growing power, is designed to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines and other advanced weapons such as hypersonic missiles. Vocal skeptics of the AUKUS deal among Trump's senior policy officials include Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy advisor. In a 2024 talk with Britain's Policy Exchange think-tank, Colby cautioned that U.S. military submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and that U.S. industry could not produce enough of them to meet American demand. They would also be central to U.S. military strategy in any confrontation with China centered in the First Island Chain, an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas. "CROWN JEWEL" "My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it," Colby said. The Australian and UK embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. National Security Council also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. AUKUS is Australia's biggest-ever defense project, with Canberra committing to spend A$368 billion ($240 billion) over three decades on the program, which includes billions of dollars of investment in the U.S. production base. News of the U.S. review comes hours after the British government announced plans to invest billions of pounds to upgrade its submarine industrial base, including at BAE Systems in Barrow and Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby, to allow the increase in submarine production rate announced in Britain's Strategic Defence Review. Britain said this month it would build up to 12 next-generation attack submarines of the model intended to be jointly developed by the UK, U.S. and Australia under AUKUS. Only six countries operate nuclear submarines: the U.S., the UK, Russia, China, France and India. AUKUS would add Australia to that club starting in 2032 with the U.S. sale of Virginia-class submarines. Before that, the U.S. and Britain would start forward rotations of their submarines in 2027 out of an Australian naval base in Western Australia. Later, Britain and Australia would design and build a new class of submarines, with U.S. assistance, with the first delivery to the UK in the late 2030s and to Australia in the early 2040s. Although Australia has declined to say ahead of time whether it would send the submarines to join U.S. forces in any conflict between the U.S. and China, Colby noted Australia's historic alliance with Washington, including sending troops to Vietnam. "I think we can make a decent bet that Australia would be there with us in the event of a conflict," Colby said last year. Speaking in Congress on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said "we're having honest conversations with our allies." On Australia, Hegseth said: "We want to make sure those capabilities are part of how they use them with their submarines, but also how they integrate with us as allies." Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who signed a previous agreement to acquire French submarines that was shelved in favor of AUKUS, told CNBC last week it was "more likely than not that Australia will not end up with any submarines at all, but instead, simply provide a large base in Western Australia for the American Navy and maintenance facilities there." © Thomson Reuters 2025.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Trump administration launches review of Biden-era Aukus defence pact with Australia, UK
There are vocal sceptics of the Aukus defence pact among US President Donald Trump's senior policy officials, including Mr Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser. PHOTO: REUTERS WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of a defence pact that former president Joe Biden made with Australia and the United Kingdom allowing Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, a US defence official told Reuters. The launch of the formal, Pentagon-led review is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its own defence as tensions grow over China's expansive military buildup. It could also throw a wrench in Britain's defence planning. The so-called Aukus pact is at the centre of a planned expansion of its submarine fleet. 'We are reviewing Aukus as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda,' the official said of the review, which was first reported by Financial Times. "Any changes to the administration's approach for Aukus will be communicated through official channels, when appropriate." Aukus, formed in 2021 to address shared worries about China's growing power, is designed to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines and other advanced weapons such as hypersonic missiles. Vocal sceptics of the Aukus deal among Mr Trump's senior policy officials include Mr Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser. In a 2024 talk with Britain's Policy Exchange think-tank, Mr Colby cautioned that US military submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and that US industry could not produce enough of them to meet American demand. They would also be central to US military strategy in any confrontation with China centred in the First Island Chain, an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas. 'My concern is why are we giving away this crown jewel asset when we most need it,' Mr Colby said. The Australian and UK embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The US National Security Council also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A 2023 photo showing a press briefing following an Aukus summit, with (from left) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US president Joe Biden and British prime minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: AFP Only six countries operate nuclear submarines: the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and India. Aukus would add Australia to that club starting in 2032 with the US sale of Virginia-class submarines. Before that, the US and Britain would start forward rotations of their submarines in 2027 out of an Australian naval base in Western Australia. Later, Britain and Australia would design and build a new class of submarines, with US assistance, with the first delivery to the UK in the late 2030s and to Australia in the early 2040s. Although Australia has declined to say ahead of time whether it would send the submarines to join US forces in any conflict between the US and China, Mr Colby noted Australia's historic alliance with Washington, including sending troops to Vietnam. 'I think we can make a decent bet that Australia would be there with us in the event of a conflict,' Mr Colby said in 2024. Speaking in Congress on June 10, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said 'we're having honest conversations with our allies'. On Australia, Mr Hegseth said: 'We want to make sure those capabilities are part of how they use them with their submarines, but also how they integrate with us as allies.' REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
