On Thursday, British officials stated that Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the UK’s special representative to AUKUS, has been in Washington this week to update American officials on the project review he submitted to the British government earlier this year.
Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom established the AUKUS security partnership in 2021 as a response to China’s increasing maritime influence in the South Pacific. Lovegrove, who served as the UK’s National Security Adviser when AUKUS was formed, was appointed as the UK’s special representative to AUKUS in April this year.
According to the AUKUS agreement, the United States is expected to sell Australia three Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines in the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to purchase two more if needed. Additionally, the UK will collaborate with Australia to develop and build a new SSN-AUKUS submarine using US technology, which will be deployed starting in 2040. The three countries will also jointly develop advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles.
In February of this year, Australia made the first installment of $500 million towards the AUKUS nuclear submarine program to the United States, which is part of a total $3 billion investment from Australia to assist in enhancing US submarine manufacturing capabilities. US Defense Secretary Haggis expressed hopes of delivering the nuclear submarines to Australia on time, mentioning President Trump’s understanding and support for the AUKUS program and Australia’s investment.
A British official informed Reuters that Lovegrove has presented his report to Pentagon officials and lawmakers, and will also meet with officials from the US State Department. Lovegrove has also discussed the report with Australian officials in London and Washington, and is set to soon report to Australia.
Australia is set to hold a national election this Saturday. Both major parties participating in the elections support AUKUS, the largest defense project ever in Australia’s history. However, the opposition Liberal Party has openly stated the need to increase defense spending.
Prior to Australia having AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, four American and one British nuclear submarines will rotate duty at the naval base in Perth, Western Australia to strengthen control capabilities in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. In March 2025, the US Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Minnesota began duty at the naval base in Perth, Western Australia, marking the latest military deployment under the AUKUS agreement.