Breaking News: U.S. Pentagon Reviews AUKUS Submarine Deal Amid China’s Naval Expansion
June 14, 2025 – According to a recent report by The Washington Post, the Pentagon has initiated a review of the multi-billion dollar submarine supply agreement between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This move comes in response to China’s rapidly expanding naval power and regional dominance ambitions.
China’s Growing Naval Strength
The Pentagon’s review reflects growing concerns among U.S. administration officials and lawmakers about China, who fear that the agreement could lead to a loss of U.S. submarine resources. Amidst China’s increasing military threat in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy’s existing fleet of submarines is already seen as insufficient to counterbalance Beijing’s growing might.
Submarine Deficit and Strategic Adjustments
Experts like Nishank Motwani of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute highlight the current submarine deficit in the U.S. “The U.S. shipbuilding industry has not built enough submarines to meet its own needs,” Motwani notes. Concerns are particularly high as the U.S. Navy’s fleet of 65 nuclear-powered submarines falls short compared to China’s 12.
Pentagon’s Position on the AUKUS Agreement
A senior defense official stated that the review aims to ensure the agreement aligns with the President’s core agenda and collects defense investments from key allies. Secretary Pete Hegseth has emphasized the need to prioritize U.S. defense needs while prompting allied nations to ramp up their own investments.
Delivery Delays and Production Challenges
Military officials have revealed significant delays in the production of Virginia-class submarines for Australia. The first three submarines are already behind schedule, with a price tag of about $4.3 billion each. Challenges in shipbuilding include labor shortages, supply chain delays, and facility restrictions, which have driven up costs and delayed production plans.
Experts Weigh-In on the Strategic Partnership
Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, who led the review, has been skeptical of the submarine sale to Australia. At recent Senate hearings, Colby emphasized that producing attack submarines at sufficient quantity and speed is a critical challenge faced by the agreement.
Long-term Implications and Future Outlook
According to the AUKUS agreement, Australia aims to develop autonomous nuclear-powered submarines by the 2040s. However, the current delays and shortages highlight the challenges in maintaining submarine superiority in the face of China’s strategic military advancements.
Call to Action
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