Ottawa, June 13, 2025 — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his government’s full commitment to the AUKUS security alliance just days before the G7 Summit in Canada, brushing aside speculation around the Trump administration’s review of the trilateral pact. Speaking during his stopover in Suva en route to the summit, Albanese called the U.S. review a “routine step” taken by new administrations and reaffirmed that “AUKUS is here to stay.”
The renewed scrutiny under President Donald Trump’s second term has raised concerns about whether the U.S. will fully back the pact, which promises Australia nuclear-powered submarines as part of a long-term defence strategy alongside the U.K. The review is being led by Pentagon adviser Elbridge Colby, known for championing an “America First” military doctrine. Sources say it will assess whether the pact burdens U.S. shipyards and whether Australia is meeting defence spending expectations, currently pegged at 2.3% of its GDP.
Despite this, Albanese emphasized, “We have strategic alignment. Our partnership remains strong, even amid leadership changes. Australia is committed to the Indo-Pacific’s stability.”
Back home, criticism has mounted from opposition lawmakers and crossbench MPs like Andrew Wilkie, who are pushing for greater transparency in how the AUKUS deal is being executed. Concerns range from spiraling costs to what critics call a lack of parliamentary oversight.
Still, the Australian government views the pact as a cornerstone of regional defence planning, particularly in countering Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific. Defence Minister Richard Marles reiterated that “the alliance remains a critical priority,” and insiders suggest a bilateral meeting between Albanese and Trump at the G7 will aim to allay any doubts regarding Australia’s contributions.
The outcome of that dialogue could be pivotal not only for AUKUS but for future defence-industrial cooperation between Canberra, Washington, and London. With a multibillion-dollar submarine project in the balance, stakeholders across continents are watching closely.
