US defense chief assures Australia to deliver 1st nuclear submarine under AUKUS on time
Pete Hegseth meets with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Washington, DC
ISLAMABAD
The US has assured Australia to deliver the first nuclear submarine on time under the AUKUS deal, local media reported on Saturday.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told his Australian counterpart Richard Marles during their first meeting in Washington, DC on Friday that President Donald Trump was "supportive" to the AUKUS deal, according to 9 News.
"The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS and … the investment Australia is willing to make," Hegseth said.
He also assured the delivery of the first nuclear submarine on time, which is due by the early 2030s.
As part of the 2021 AUKUS alliance, the US, UK, and Australia are jointly developing nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
The project, which has seen significant investments from all three nations, is crucial to enhancing defense capabilities. The UK pledged £4 billion ($5.3 billion), the US is contributing $17.5 billion, and Australia has committed more than AUD 30 billion ($20.7 billion).
Recently, the Australian government made a $500 million payment to Washington under the AUKUS deal ahead of Marles' meeting with Hegseth.
Australia signed the deal during the former Biden administration of the US.
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