The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, US. File photo: Xinhua

The US has launched a review of its multi-billion dollar submarine deal with the UK and Australia, or the AUKUS, saying the security pact must fit its "America First" agenda, BBC reported Thursday.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby - who has expressed skepticism about the program's worth - is running the review, according to two defense officials, granted anonymity to discuss internal policy talks, Politico reported. 

"This is an opportunity for the [Defense Department] to ensure the effort is in alignment with the Trump administration's priorities," one of the officials said.

Colby has challenged major parts of the AUKUS deal, which is widely seen as targeting China, including a plan for the US to sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia, citing the need for the US to maintain a robust undersea presence in the Pacific. The Virginia sales would come in three-year intervals starting in 2032 and would replace the retiring Collins-class submarines in the Australian arsenal.

Colby had also noted he was concerned that selling submarines to Australia, or using US shipyards to help build them, could put the US Navy in "a weaker position" since they weren't going to American submarine development, Politico reported. 

The Financial Times first reported the review.

Under the trilateral pact, Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs from the US, before the allies create a new fleet by sharing cutting-edge tech. Both Australia and the UK - which did its own review last year - have sought to play down news of the US probe, saying it is natural for a new administration to reassess, according to BBC. 

A UK government spokesperson said the review was "understandable" and that London would continue to work closely with the US and Australia on the deal, said Politico.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has downplayed concerns the United States will review the AUKUS agreement, insisting it is a "natural" step and will not threaten the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, per Australia's ABC News.
Jennifer Kavanagh - from American thinktank Defense Priorities - told the BBC that the US was "absolutely right to take a look at this deal" as its submarine capacities were already stretched.

"The US cannot meet its own demand for these nuclear-powered submarines," she said.

The three nations already have poured millions into training to operate nuclear-powered vessels. Australia has funneled even more into expanding its base in Perth on the country's western edge, Politico reported.

Global Times