US Assures Australia of On-Time Nuclear Submarine Delivery Under AUKUS Deal

February 8, 2025

By The South Asia Times

CANBERRA - The United States has assured Australia that the first nuclear-powered submarine under the AUKUS agreement will be delivered on schedule, local media reported Saturday.

According to 9 News, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed this commitment during his first meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Washington, DC, on Friday. Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump is "supportive" of the AUKUS deal and recognizes the investment Australia is making.

"The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS and … the investment Australia is willing to make," Hegseth said. He further assured that the first nuclear submarine, expected by the early 2030s, would be delivered on time, Anadolu Agency reported.

The AUKUS pact, signed in 2021 between the US, UK, and Australia, aims to develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The project represents a significant trilateral defense investment, with the UK committing £4 billion ($5.3 billion), the US contributing $17.5 billion, and Australia allocating more than AUD 30 billion ($20.7 billion).

Ahead of Marles’ meeting with Hegseth, Australia made a $500 million payment to the US under the AUKUS agreement.

The deal was originally signed during the former Biden administration in the US.