Canberra: Australia on Thursday played down concerns over the review of the $368 billion AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine deal by the US as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, local media reported. Defense Minister Richard Marles told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he is confident the AUKUS deal will go forward.

According to Anadolu Agency, Marles expressed that the review is a natural process for any incoming administration. He emphasized that as AUKUS progresses over the decades, it is reasonable for incoming governments to review the multi-decade arrangement. Marles also noted the recently completed UK review of AUKUS, which reaffirmed its support for the agreement.

The US President, Donald Trump, has provided some reassurance regarding the future of the submarine agreement initially struck during the Biden administration. However, the Pentagon has confirmed that a review will be conducted to ensure the program meets the "America First" criteria.

Australia has already made significant financial commitments to the US, including a payment of almost $800 million in February to aid the US submarine industrial base. Opposition defense spokesperson Angus Taylor urged Prime Minister Albanese to seek a direct meeting with Trump to safeguard the AUKUS agreement, highlighting the potential risks if the deal falls through.

In February, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Australia of Washington's commitment to deliver the first nuclear submarine on time under the AUKUS deal, expected by the early 2030s. The AUKUS alliance, involving the US, UK, and Australia, aims to develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, with substantial investments from all three nations to enhance defense capabilities. The UK has pledged £4 billion, the US $17.5 billion, and Australia more than AUD 30 billion.