The first anniversary of the AUKUS pact has been marked with concern about its future. 

The Australia-United Kingdom-United States defence pact faces a significant setback as the Pentagon announces a reduction in the number of Virginia-class submarines to be built next year, halving the anticipated construction. 

This decision casts doubt on the timetable for delivering Australia's first nuclear-powered submarines, a cornerstone of the AUKUS agreement. 

US Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney has described the cut as having a “profound” impact on the naval capabilities of both the United States and Australia.

Despite this, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles believes the commitment to AUKUS remains strong among the partner nations. 

The reduction coincides with the first anniversary of the pact, marked by a US Los Angeles-class submarine docking in Perth, demonstrating ongoing efforts to familiarise Australians with nuclear-powered vessels.

The AUKUS plan, initially aiming to provide Australia with at least three Virginia-class submarines by 2032, faces challenges due to production delays influenced by labour shortages and industrial bottlenecks in the US. 

The current production rate falls short of the required average to sustain the US Navy's fleet and fulfil commitments to Australia. Experts estimate the US would need to produce 2.3 subs per year in order to have supplies for Australia, but its new plan only allows for it to build one.

The Pentagon has requested additional funding to address these challenges and boost the submarine industrial base. 

However, the cut in submarine production has sparked criticism from various quarters, including former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who voiced concerns over the impact of American politics on Australia's defence strategy.

“When Morrison did this and abandoned the project with France, where we were building the submarines in Australia and we controlled it,” Mr Turnbull has told the ABC.

“We’re now in a situation where we have lost all sovereignty, all agency, we’re just bobbing along as a cork in the maelstrom of American politics.”