AUKUS Defence Ministers reaffirm submarine and advanced capability commitments

At the US Embassy in Singapore, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP reaffirmed commitment to the AUKUS defence partnership following talks on Saturday (30 May).

  • Pillar I submarine programme confirmed as on track, including Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability and Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) due in 2027
  • Australia outlined up to AUD 8 billion for SRF-West infrastructure, plus AUD 3.9 billion for a submarine construction yard and AUD 12 billion for the Henderson Defence Precinct
  • US and UK reaffirmed rotational deployments and progress on Virginia-class submarine arrangements and SSN-AUKUS development

Under Pillar II, ministers announced the first Signature Project focused on uncrewed undersea vehicle payloads, with delivery from 2027, aimed at enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and maritime security. They also supported expanding defence trade cooperation and streamlined technology sharing across AUKUS partners.

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Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and British Defence Secretary John Healey look on as U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during an AUKUS Defence ministers’ press huddle at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, May 30, 2026. REUTERS/Edgar Su
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AUKUS Defence Ministers reaffirm submarine and advanced capability commitments
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