AUKUS Deal Review: Navigating Strategic Waters

The United States is set to conclude its examination of the AUKUS defence pact with the United Kingdom and Australia by the northern hemisphere's autumn season. This review, led by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, comes after a formal review was launched in June by the Trump administration.

The Pentagon's office stated on Wednesday that the review will be an 'empirical and clear-eyed assessment' aimed at providing President Biden and his leadership team with a comprehensive understanding of the agreement. The AUKUS deal, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, will enable Australia to acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, marking a significant investment in the U.S. submarine production industry.

Despite being a critic of the pact, Colby acknowledged last year that submarines are a highly sought-after resource, and the U.S. industry struggles to meet domestic demand. Australia recently paid its second instalment under the agreement, emphasizing confidence in the pact's progression. On Saturday, Australia and Britain further solidified their commitment by signing a separate bilateral submarine pact.

(With inputs from agencies.)