The future of Australia’s AUKUS defence deal with the United States is in the balance after the Pentagon announced a review into whether it fits the Trump administration’s “America First” agenda.
The AUKUS deal was formulated during the Australian Morrison government era and was sealed between Australia, the UK and the United States in 2021.
The pact was designed as a counterweight to Beijing’s ongoing aggression and military build-up in the region.
A key component of the AUKUS agreement is the design and procurement of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia at a cost of $350 billion.
The deal also formalised existing technology arrangements between the three countries including quantum tech, drones, hypersonic weapons, and undersea capabilities….