The AUKUS defence technology-sharing pact between the US, Britain, and Australia is facing a critical review under the Trump administration, with a senior defence official suggesting that the agreement could be made more “sustainable.” John Noh, President Trump’s nominee for assistant defence secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, made these remarks during his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee. His comments signal a potential shift in the pact’s strategic direction, particularly in its submarine-focused Pillar 1.
Noh, currently serving as deputy assistant defence secretary for East Asia, emphasised the need for a thorough review of AUKUS to ensure it aligns with President Trump’s “America first” foreign policy. “The department is conducting a review of AUKUS to make sure it is fully aligned with President Trump’s ‘America first’ foreign policy,” he told the committee. “It is a brass-tack, common-sense look at the realities facing AUKUS, including the state of our submarine industrial base.”
The review, expected to conclude this autumn, could lead to modifications in Pillar 1, which focuses on nuclear-powered submarine cooperation. Noh suggested that there are “common-sense things” that can be done to strengthen the pact and make it more sustainable. This could imply adjustments to production timelines, cost-sharing mechanisms, or industrial collaboration to address concerns about the US submarine industrial base’s capacity to meet AUKUS commitments.
Beyond AUKUS, Noh also addressed the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape, particularly the threat posed by China. He “strongly” asserted that Taiwan must “do its part and pay” by increasing its defence spending to counter potential aggression from Beijing. This stance underscores the Trump administration’s emphasis on burden-sharing and collective defence responsibilities in the region.
Beijing has consistently criticised AUKUS, describing it as a threat to regional stability. The pact is widely seen as a strategic effort to counter China’s growing naval power, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. As the review progresses, the three AUKUS partners will be closely watching for any indications of how the pact might evolve to address both domestic industrial constraints and broader geopolitical challenges.
The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the defence industrial base of all three nations, as well as for regional security dynamics. If the US, UK, and Australia decide to restructure Pillar 1, it could lead to new opportunities for defence technology collaboration, supply chain diversification, and industrial policy adjustments. However, any changes must also navigate the delicate balance of maintaining strong transatlantic and transpacific alliances while addressing China’s rising military capabilities.
As the review unfolds, defence analysts and policymakers will be keenly observing whether AUKUS can adapt to the evolving security landscape while remaining a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific defence cooperation.