SYDNEY: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald Trump fully supports the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement. This statement came after Australia confirmed its first payment of $500 million toward the defense pact last Friday.
During a meeting in Washington with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Hegseth expressed the President’s strong backing for AUKUS, emphasizing its significance for the defense sector. "The President is very aware and supportive of AUKUS," he said.
Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia is set to invest $3 billion to enhance the U.S. submarine industry. In return, the U.S. will supply Australia with several Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s. Additionally, Australia and the UK plan to collaboratively develop a new AUKUS-class submarine.
Marles revealed that the initial $500 million payment was transferred following a call with Hegseth on January 29. When asked about the timely delivery of the submarines to Australia, Hegseth confidently replied, "We sure hope so."
In other remarks, Hegseth highlighted the U.S. commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles, investing in the defense sector, and standing by allies. Marles expressed satisfaction with the production progress of the Virginia-class submarines, noting both construction and maintenance aspects.
This meeting marks the first time Hegseth is hosting a foreign counterpart since his appointment. The discussions between Hegseth and Marles are expected to cover regional security in the Indo-Pacific and the increasing U.S. military presence in Australia, in addition to the AUKUS talks.
Established in 2021, the AUKUS alliance aims to address mutual concerns about China’s expanding influence and enables Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles.
