• The Pentagon endorses the AUKUS security pact for submarine sales to Australia.
• Australia to acquire at least three Virginia-class nuclear submarines within 15 years.
• The deal may cost up to $235 billion and begins in 2032.
• Review highlights alignment with national security interests amid changes in government.

The Pentagon announced on Thursday its endorsement of the AUKUS security pact, which facilitates Australia’s acquisition of at least three Virginia-class nuclear submarines over the next 15 years. This review, initiated by former President Donald Trump's administration, confirmed that the agreement aligns with the "America First" strategy. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, "Consistent with President Trump's guidance that AUKUS should move 'full steam ahead,' the review identified opportunities to put AUKUS on the strongest possible footing," according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.

Congressman Joe Courtney, a leading advocate for the AUKUS initiative, highlighted the review's significance, noting that it assures the pact's framework is aligned with U.S. national security interests. He emphasized the resilience of the AUKUS agreement, which has "survived three changes of government in all three nations and still stands strong," according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

The submarines, which will begin to be delivered in 2032, are critical to enhancing Australia's long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific, particularly in response to growing tensions with China. The program could cost Australia up to $235 billion over three decades, along with providing the technology to eventually build its own submarines. Pat Conroy, Australia’s Defence Industry Minister, expressed satisfaction with the U.S. review's conclusions, stating that they would work constructively to improve the AUKUS framework even further, according to Dawn and South China Morning Post.

Notably, the AUKUS pact followed Australia's controversial cancellation of a $66 billion deal with France for diesel-powered submarines in 2021, highlighting the strategic shift towards a closer defense partnership with the U.S. and the UK. This shift is seen as essential for addressing modern geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in statements from various officials, including the Pentagon, according to Channel News Asia and Dawn.