Reported at www.defense.gov: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had an introductory call to discuss key initiatives within the U.S.-Australia Alliance.

They focused on the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. force posture priorities, AUKUS, and defense industrial collaboration, particularly regarding Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise.

Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the bilateral alliance and emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination with Australia.