The relationship is “as strong as it’s ever been,” according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has praised Australia for its assistance with several important military initiatives.
It comes after high-level discussions with Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles on Saturday in Singapore.
The discussion, which took place outside of the Shangri-La Dialogue, was centered on strengthening collaboration on advanced defense capabilities, extending US troop posture in Australia, and speeding up AUKUS commitments.
Hegseth stated that while negotiations between the US and Iran are still ongoing, Australia has been a “strong partner” in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Australia, when we’ve called Australia, in this context, they’ve been willing to help with whatever assets they can provide, and we’re grateful for that,” Hegseth stated, despite earlier jabs at the Albanese government by US President Donald Trump regarding its seeming lack of support for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“It’s consistent with how Australia has been a solid ally of ours.”
When asked if the White House was still looking to Australia for help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth clarified that partner support was still crucial even if the US had done the majority of the work.
Australia was hailed by Pete Hegseth (left) at an AUKUS Defence Ministers meeting. He is pictured with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and British Defence Secretary John Healey
‘The bulk of the weight has been an American effort, especially on the blockade, which has been ironclad, and frankly has put the real pressure on Iran,’ he said.
Hegseth pointed to wider cooperation in the Indo-Pacific as further proof of the strength of the partnership.
‘I think the meetings we had on AUKUS today, and other arrangements, especially in the Pacific, show that our alliance is as strong as it’s ever been,’ he said.
Additionally, Hegseth commended Australia for raising its defense budget to $53 billion.
As previously proposed by the US, it raises defense spending to almost 3% of GDP by 2033.
‘Australia is stepping up,’ Hegseth said.
‘Together we are expanding the rotational presence of US forces and collaborating to ensure our defence industrial base builds and sustains weapons required for a high-end fight.
‘We appreciate Australia’s investment in real combat power and the commitment to integrate more deeply with the US Joint Force.’
Pete Hegseth (pictured) said the AUKUS alliance is as ‘strong as it has ever been’ on Saturday
Australia has been a “strong partner” in attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Hegseth (pictured).
Following a bilateral meeting on the fringes of the Shangri-La Dialogue and a combined appearance at the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting, where the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom discussed the next stage of the trilateral agreement, the statements were made.
AUKUS was at the center of those talks, and Hegseth emphasized advancements in the agreement’s advanced capabilities and undersea pillars.
He announced plans to construct the Submarine Rotational Force-West in Western Australia and stated that the United States was “moving as quickly as possible to enhance our combined submarine presence in the Pacific region” in his opening remarks.
With the help of increased Australian infrastructure and substantial local investment, the proposal will see US nuclear-powered submarines operate out of HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
The first “signature project” under AUKUS Pillar II, which focuses on creating cutting-edge unmanned underwater vehicles and payload systems, was also unveiled by the three nations.
The program’s goal is to move from planning to execution by expediting the supply of state-of-the-art technologies to improve underwater combat, strike, and surveillance capabilities.
“I think they can [count on the US], and that’s why we did the review the way that we did, is to make sure that what we’re promising is aligned with what we’re able to do,” Hegseth said in an attempt to reassure Australia regarding the delivery of Virginia-class submarines, a crucial component of the agreement that has come under scrutiny due to US shipbuilding limitations.
Although he admitted past deficiencies in the US defense industrial base, he asserted that new investment would guarantee that obligations are fulfilled.
Hegseth stated, “We’re laser focused on making sure it happens.”
“Those substitutes, which are undoubtedly in Australia’s possession, are crucial for your defense, but they also contribute to the combined defense of what we would need to do.”
