Canberra has downplayed a decision by the US to formally review the AUKUS defence pact with Australia and Britain. The agreement, spanning decades, would ultimately equip Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Signed under the previous Biden administration, AUKUS will be judged on whether it aligns with the ‘America First’ agenda under current President Donald Trump. This comes as American shipyards struggle to meet demand for submarines in the US Navy and as Washington pushes its allies to spend more on defence. Nick Harper reports.
