A former Australian defence minister has initiated a crowd-funded investigation into the Aukus security pact, casting fresh doubt over the multibillion-dollar submarine programme that involves British and American partners. The inquiry, led by Christopher Pyne, who served as defence minister under the Turnbull government, aims to examine the strategic and financial implications of the deal, which has faced criticism over its costs and delivery timelines.
The Aukus agreement, signed in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, commits to providing Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines. The UK is set to contribute design expertise and manufacturing capacity, with the first vessels expected to enter service in the early 2040s. However, the project has been plagued by delays and budget overruns, with estimates suggesting the total cost could exceed 100 billion Australian dollars.
Pyne’s crowd-funded inquiry, launched via the platform GoFundMe, has already raised over 500,000 Australian dollars. It will commission independent experts to assess the deal’s feasibility, including the UK’s ability to deliver on its commitments. The former minister has stated that the inquiry is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability, given the scale of public investment involved.
The move comes amid growing unease in Canberra about the pace of the submarine programme. The Australian government has been forced to seek interim solutions, including a potential lease of US Virginia-class submarines, to bridge the gap until Aukus submarines are ready. Critics argue that the deal undermines Australia’s sovereignty and locks it into a long-term dependency on American and British technology.
In London, the inquiry is likely to intensify scrutiny of the UK’s defence export strategy. The British government has positioned Aukus as a cornerstone of its post-Brexit global ambitions, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailing it as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. However, questions remain about the capacity of the UK’s shipbuilding industry, which has struggled to meet existing Royal Navy orders.
The UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on the inquiry, but officials insist that the programme remains on track. They point to recent progress, including the signing of a trilateral agreement on technology sharing and the establishment of a joint working group.
Analysts suggest that Pyne’s investigation could further strain relations between the three partners, particularly if it uncovers evidence of mismanagement or unrealistic timelines. It also highlights the growing trend of crowd-funded oversight in Australia, where major defence projects have come under increased public scrutiny.
The Aukus inquiry is expected to publish its findings in early 2025. Until then, the submarine deal remains a critical test of the alliance’s credibility and the UK’s ability to project power in the Indo-Pacific.
