The trilateral defence partnership known as AUKUS is set to advance, according to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Following “very constructive” discussions with officials from the United States, Marles confirmed that the pact remains “full steam ahead.” These assurances came during the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), marking the first formal meeting under the new administration of former President Donald Trump.
Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong engaged with their American counterparts, Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio, in discussions that highlighted the ongoing commitment to AUKUS. The meeting occurred shortly after Australian officials received the results of a confidential Pentagon review concerning the agreement, although details of this review have yet to be publicly disclosed by the US government.
While addressing reporters in Washington, Marles expressed optimism regarding the review’s implications. “We received the AUKUS review from the United States last week,” he stated. “We’re very grateful for having received it and for the visibility provided throughout the review process.” He emphasized that the review aims to explore ways to enhance the AUKUS partnership, stating, “We continue to work with the United States and the United Kingdom about how we can do AUKUS better.”
The discussions reflect a growing momentum behind the AUKUS alliance, with Rubio underscoring the strong ties between the US and Australia. He noted that there is “no better friend” for the US than Australia and highlighted a year of significant collaboration, including a recent meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Trump in October.
In his prepared remarks, Rubio mentioned the ongoing efforts directed by the President to strengthen the partnership, stating, “AUKUS is full steam ahead, as he said.” He also referenced the Department of War’s review, which aims to expand the relationship between the countries.
The Pentagon review, commissioned in July 2023, initially raised concerns about the future of the $368 billion defence pact. Despite this, Hegseth affirmed the partnership’s strength, indicating that there is “a lot we’re going to do together in the months ahead.” He elaborated on the increasing cooperation in areas such as the defence industrial base and a critical minerals agreement signed by Albanese and Trump.
“We’re strengthening AUKUS so that it works for America, for Australia, and for the UK,” Hegseth stated, highlighting the collaborative future envisioned by the partners.
As the AUKUS alliance continues to evolve, the commitment from both the US and Australia suggests a robust framework for future cooperation in defence and regional security.
