A former Australian defence minister has initiated a crowd-funded review of the AUKUS pact, casting doubt on the multibillion-pound submarine deal with the United Kingdom and the United States. The review, led by former minister Peter Dutton, aims to assess the strategic and financial implications of the agreement, which has been a cornerstone of Anglo-Australian defence cooperation. Critics argue that the deal, involving the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to the Royal Australian Navy, may be overpriced and technically unfeasible.
The crowd-funding model, a departure from traditional government-commissioned inquiries, reflects growing public scepticism about the pact's value. Proponents of AUKUS maintain that it is essential for countering China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The UK government has defended the agreement, emphasising its role in bolstering regional security and interoperability between allied forces.
The review's findings are expected to influence parliamentary debate and could delay the submarine programme's timeline.
