Marles Heads to US to Meet Defence Officials Amid AUKUS Review Delays

Marles will meet US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, senior officials, and key defence industry representatives during his Washington visit.
Marles Heads to US to Meet Defence Officials Amid AUKUS Review Delays
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles speaks to the press during the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. Pierre Crom/Getty Images
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Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles will head to Washington this week for high-level talks with U.S. officials, as the Trump administration’s review of the $368 billion (US$238 billion) AUKUS submarine pact prolongs uncertainty over its future.

In Washington, Marles is scheduled to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior administration officials, while also engaging with key defence industry stakeholders.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].