WASHINGTON: The Pentagon mentioned on Monday (Dec 1) it has endorsed the tripartite AUKUS safety pact with the UK and Australia, which might contain Canberra’s acquisition of at least three Virginia-class nuclear submarines inside 15 years.
The administration of Donald Trump mentioned earlier this yr it was reviewing a 2021 deal for the nuclear-powered assault subs signed below his presidential predecessor Joe Biden.
The Division of Protection accomplished its five-month evaluate, which endorsed the AUKUS settlement and decided it’s “in alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda”, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell mentioned in an announcement.
“According to President Trump’s steering that AUKUS ought to transfer ‘full steam forward’, the evaluate recognized alternatives to place AUKUS on the strongest potential footing.”
Congressman Joe Courtney, the highest Democrat on a US Home subcommittee on sea energy, mentioned the evaluate’s completion assures that the pact’s “framework is aligned with our nation’s nationwide safety curiosity”.
“With its completion, it is very important observe that the 2021 AUKUS settlement has now survived three adjustments of presidency in all three nations and nonetheless stands sturdy.”
Courtney is a vocal champion of AUKUS in Congress, and represents a Connecticut district that’s residence to the first submarine manufacturing facility within the US.
