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What is Aukus, the submarine deal between Australia, the UK and US?

October 20, 2025

The Aukus security pact, a £176bn ($239bn; A$368bn) trilateral submarine deal between Australia, the UK, and the US, is currently under review by the Trump administration to ensure alignment with its "America First" agenda. The review, led by Elbridge Colby, has raised concerns despite reassurances from the UK and Australia that such assessments are standard procedure when new governments take office. The deal includes Australia purchasing three Virginia-class submarines from the US starting in 2032, followed by the development of a new nuclear-powered submarine model, along with collaboration on advanced military capabilities such as hypersonic missiles and AI.

Who is affected

  • Australia's military and defense capabilities
  • The Royal Australian Navy and its sailors
  • Workers in Britain (with 7,000 jobs expected to be created)
  • China's military influence in the Indo-Pacific region
  • Residents of Perth, Western Australia (where submarines will be based)
  • US and UK submarine manufacturing sectors

What action is being taken

  • The Trump administration is conducting a review of the Aukus security pact led by Elbridge Colby
  • Australia is continuing scheduled payments toward its $3 billion pledge to boost US submarine production
  • Australia, the UK, and the US are collaborating on advanced military capabilities including hypersonic missiles, undersea robotics, and AI
  • President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese are meeting in Washington, DC to discuss the deal

Why it matters

  • The deal represents Australia's biggest ever defense project and will replace its aging Collins-class submarine fleet
  • Australia will become only the second nation after the UK to receive US nuclear propulsion technology
  • The submarines will significantly enhance Australia's military capabilities, enabling longer-range operations and strikes
  • The pact is seen as essential for preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions
  • The agreement creates thousands of jobs in Britain through submarine design and construction
  • The deal provides the US an opportunity to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

What is Aukus, the submarine deal between Australia, the UK and US?