Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met virtually with UK Permanent Under Secretary of Defence David Williams today via secure video teleconferencing to discuss a range of bilateral defense issues.
The Deputy Secretary and Permanent Under Secretary reviewed the significant trilateral progress to date on the effort to support Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear powered submarines and the trilateral development of advanced capabilities.
They emphasized that AUKUS will make a positive contribution to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by enhancing deterrence.
The two leaders also discussed opportunities to further U.S.-UK support to Ukraine, the status of the defense industrial base, and the upcoming U.S.-UK Defense Dialogue, which is planned be held in London later this year.
Deputy Secretary Hicks and Permanent Under Secretary Williams pledged their commitment to continued cooperation aimed at deepening the U.S.-U.K. defense and security relationship.