US, Australia, UK reaffirm commitment to trilateral security partnership

Defense chiefs underscore intention to move 'full steam ahead' on AUKUS during meeting in Washington, DC

Defense chiefs of the US, Australia and the UK reaffirmed their nations’ shared commitment to the AUKUS trilateral security partnership Wednesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and UK Defense Secretary John Healey to the Pentagon for the annual AUKUS defense ministers' meeting. "In line with a shared intent to move 'full steam ahead' on AUKUS, the Principals recognized the work underway to deliver priority infrastructure and workforce uplift in support of an enhanced trilateral submarine industrial base," they said in a joint statement. During the meeting, the defense chiefs discussed ways to continue to strengthen AUKUS and reiterated their shared commitment to inject pace and focus on delivery to ensure the long-term success of the AUKUS partnership. They also recognized the "critical importance" of submarine cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I to ensure a robust deterrent. "Additionally, they recognized the importance of advanced capabilities development under AUKUS Pillar II and discussed opportunities to further accelerate delivery of such projects, with a particular focus on near-term warfighting objectives," according to the statement. In September 2021, the three countries signed the AUKUS pact, under which Canberra would receive Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The first deliveries are expected to begin in 2032.