United States President Donald Trump’s support for Australia to acquire the Aukus nuclear submarines has come as a relief for Canberra amid lingering concerns over their delivery timing and effectiveness as well as Washington’s commitment to the deal.
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At a meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Washington last Friday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said: “The president is very aware, supportive of Aukus, recognises the importance of the defence industrial base.”
When asked if the US would deliver the nuclear submarines to Australia on time, he added: “We sure hope so.”
Established in 2021 to counter China’s growing influence, Aukus – comprising Australia, the UK and the US – has committed to transfer sensitive nuclear, missile and other defence technology to Canberra.
Under the Aukus submarine programme, the US will supply several Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia in the early 2030s while Canberra will pay Washington US$3 billion to boost the capabilities of the American submarine industry.
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During the meeting, Marles said that Australia had transferred the first US$500 million payment to the US after he spoke to Hegseth on the matter in a phone call on January 29.