Pentagon official and former Aukus sceptic Elbridge Colby has mirrored his president’s language on the nuclear submarine deal, saying it is “full steam ahead”. Colby, a US under secretary of war, was the author of the Trump administration’s review of the Aukus deal, which would see the US sell three in-service Virginia-class submarines to Australia, before the development of Australia’s domestically built Aukus-class submarines. Colby’s comments come in the same week an inquiry into Aukus held public hearings in Sydney, Newcastle and Port Kembla. The former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull told the inquiry Australia’s blind faith in the Aukus submarine deal was “stark staring bonkers”, and argued the asymmetric deal with the US would likely result in no submarines at all for Australia. Colby said the Pentagon was “very focused on submarine production, submarine maintenance, and making sure that that’s in as strong a place as it can be”. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby did not comment on the potential of nuclear-armed US submarines docking at Australian ports. The US maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” around its nuclear capabilities, refusing to confirm or deny whether its nuclear-capable platforms – including aircraft submarines – are carrying nuclear warheads. The Australian Department of Defence says it respects the US policy and does not ask whether platforms – such as B-52 bombers landing on Australian soil – are nuclear-armed. Colby said the US had “no better ally” than Australia, and that the US and Australia enjoyed a “deep alignment of thinking”. Colby said the first Virginia-class submarine is slated to be sold to Australia in 2032. Colby said the Pentagon was “very pleased with the progress that has been made since the conclusion of the Aukus review which … has provided a roadmap for the success of the Aukus program. Colby said the first Australian-built Aukus submarine, for the Royal Australian Navy, will be in the water “in the early 2040s”. Colby said the US submarine fleet now has only three-quarters of the submarines it needs (49 boats of a force-level goal of 66). And there are significant concerns the US cannot build enough submarines for its own needs, let alone any for Australia. Colby said the Pentagon was “very focused on submarine production, submarine maintenance, and making sure that that’s in as strong a place as it can be”. Colby said the first Australian-built Aukus submarine, for the Royal Australian Navy, will be in the water “in the early 2040s”. Colby said the Pentagon was “very focused on submarine production, submarine maintenance, and making sure that that’s in as strong a place as it can be”. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its expectations under the Aukus agreement. Colby said the Pentagon and broader Trump administration had “a very clear understanding” with Australia about its
