US Reassesses Aukus Submarine Partnership in Light of 'America First' Policy

The Biden administration is conducting a review of the Aukus submarine deal, emphasizing alignment with its 'America First' policy. While Australia and the UK remain supportive of the pact, concerns about military spending and operational alignment with US expectations persist, amid pushback from China.

The United States is currently reevaluating its multimillion-dollar submarine agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom, signaling a shift to align the partnership with the Biden administration's 'America First' agenda. This strategic deal, known as Aukus, was established to enhance military capabilities among allies, particularly in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under this agreement, Australia is set to receive its first nuclear-powered submarines from the US, and together with the UK, the partners aim to develop a new submarine fleet by harnessing advanced technologies. As part of the review, US defense officials stated that the rationale is to ensure the initiative reflects the current administration's military readiness and its expectations for allied contributions.

Both Australia and the UK have downplayed the implications of the review, emphasizing that periodic assessments are typical for new administrations. However, the US’s call for increased military budgets from its allies has prompted varying responses, with the UK agreeing to boost its defense spending, while Australia remains less accommodating to the extent proposed by the US.

The results of the review will be overseen by Elbridge Colby, a critic of the Aukus deal, who has previously raised concerns about the United States allocating critical military assets amidst rising operational demands. Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, expressed confidence in the deal's continuity, underscoring the country's geographical necessity for an extended-range submarine capacity while emphasizing the need to adhere to existing plans.

Both the Australian government and UK defense representatives characteristic the review as a routine reassessment, noting bipartisan support for Aukus in the US. Analysts have indicated that if the US utilizes the review to depart from the original agreement, it may compromise strategic stability in the region, potentially being seen as a win for China, which has been critical of Aukus.

The Aukus deal, signed in 2021, represents a significant upgrade for Australia’s military forces, allowing the country, alongside the UK, access to elite US nuclear propulsion technology. This upgrade is expected to enhance operational capabilities, enabling longer reach and faster engagement times compared to current diesel-engine submarines.

Plans under Aukus include acquiring several Virginia-class submarines and developing a unique nuclear-powered model to be built in both Australia and the UK, encapsulating technology across all three nations. This trilateral partnership underscores the commitment of the US, UK, and Australia to bolster defense cooperation amidst growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific theatre.