In a significant development reinforcing the AUKUS security pact, US President Donald Trump has declared “full steam ahead” on the agreement, signaling strong support for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines. During his October 2025 meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Washington, Trump assured that the deal, originally signed in September 2021, was progressing rapidly after a period of uncertainty due to a US administration review. The pact aims to bolster regional security by providing Australia with at least three advanced submarines and fostering trilateral cooperation in emerging technologies like quantum computing, hypersonics, AI, and cyber defense. Australia has invested billions in upgrading naval infrastructure, including submarine bases at HMAS Stirling and Henderson in Western Australia, securing a strategic foothold for US and UK forces in the Indo-Pacific. The AUKUS pact is viewed as a crucial counter to China’s growing military influence, especially amid recent South China Sea tensions. Trump emphasized the importance of the pact to regional stability, assuring Canberra of American military strength and continuous support for the Indo-Pacific security framework. Australia’s defense commitments and investments reflect its resolve to uphold sovereignty and peace in the region.