Malcolm Turnbull, who was behind the French submarine contract that Morrison dramatically tore up in favour of Aukus, said Australia needs to "wake up", realise it's a "bad deal" which the US could renege on at any point, and make other plans before it is too late.

The Pentagon launched a review of a Biden-era pact to develop nuclear-powered submarines with Australia and the UK, as the Trump administration looks to shift the burden to allies and ensure the US’s own supply of warships.

The review throws into doubt a strategic partnership that aims to give Australia nuclear-powered submarines and deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.