Australia is poring over a Pentagon review of AUKUS that shores up support for the security pact but urges its three nations to meet “critical deadlines”.
The highly anticipated five-month review was handed to the Albanese government, but has not been made public.
The government is considering the report ahead of crucial talks in Washington next week between Defence Minister Richard Marles and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
US Congressman Joe Courtney, who co-chairs the Friends of Australia Caucus, said the review endorsed the $368 billion deal which aligns with his nation’s interests.
“The report correctly determined that there are critical deadlines that all three countries have to meet,” he said.
“Therefore, maintaining disciplined adherence to schedule is paramount.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the review identified opportunities to put the pact, which includes the UK, on the “strongest possible footing”.
“The purpose of the review was to identify opportunities to strengthen AUKUS and ensure its long-term success, in alignment with President Trump’s ‘America first’ agenda,” he said.
Australia has been promised at least three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s, before a new fleet of vessels is built for delivery from the 2040s.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said previous concerns raised about the viability of the nuclear-submarine deal were “realistic” and he was “clear eyed” about the challenges.
“‘I’m confident, so far, AUKUS is hitting every single milestone that we’ve set it and this review confirms that,” he told reporters.
“This is undertaking some of the most complex things humans do and we need to make sure we have all the resources to do that.”
Asked if the US should release the review, Mr Conroy said the decision laid with Washington.
It would be beneficial for Australia if the US released a public statement outlining the key points of the review, as much of it would be classified, Australian National University expert associate Jennifer Parker said.
She said one of the challenges facing AUKUS was Australia’s confidence.
“We seem to think that we can’t do it,” Ms Parker said of the pact.
“AUKUS has now been through a US review and three changes of government across the partners.
“The fact it continues to enjoy strong support should give us confidence in its durability.”
Mr Conroy said the government briefed the Trump administration on Australia’s biggest overhaul of the Defence Department in 50 years, announced earlier this week.
The shake-up will establish an independent Defence delivery agency to ensure billions of dollars of taxpayer money are spent well and major projects delivered on time.
This agency is separate to the Australian Submarine Agency which is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the boats under AUKUS.
Concerns the agreement would sink were eased when Mr Trump signalled his support for the program in a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in October.
Mr Conroy also announced Australia would begin manufacturing missiles in December after the opening of a factory at Port Wakefield in South Australia, which will be capable of producing 300 missiles for guided multiple launch rocket systems per year.
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