Australia plans to acquire three to five nuclear-powered submarines starting in the 2030s, contributing at least $3 billion to enhance US submarine production as part of the AUKUS agreement.

Established in 2021 during Scott Morrison's tenure, AUKUS aims to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific, with Australia set to acquire up to five US Virginia-class submarines by 2032.

However, the AUKUS deal faces significant challenges as the Trump administration initiates a review that could potentially scrap the submarine deal, raising concerns about the alliance between the US, UK, and Australia.

Critics are questioning the wisdom of exporting submarines to Australia before ensuring the US fleet is fully equipped, highlighting the risk of depleting US submarine capacity amid rising military demands.

This review has caused anxiety in both Canberra and London, as Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles noted that the Trump administration informed both nations about the review.

Experts caution against hastily interpreting the review's intent, with the UK also beginning a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS, indicating a broader scrutiny of the pact.

Despite these challenges, Australia views the submarines as vital for its defense amid escalating tensions with China and remains committed to the AUKUS project during the review.

Marles emphasized that AUKUS will enhance both US and Australian defense industries, creating thousands of manufacturing jobs.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has underscored AUKUS as central to national security, committing to the UK's largest military investment since the Cold War to support the initiative.

Critics, including Senator David Shoebridge, argue that AUKUS positions Australia as a junior partner in US military strategy, rather than an equal ally.

Despite the internal review, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the US intends to fulfill its commitment to supply nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

The Congressional Research Service has reported that the US will face critically low numbers of nuclear attack submarines in the early 2030s, needing to produce 2.5 submarines annually but currently only producing 1.3.