Australia would acquire up to five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the 2030s as part of a significant military accord with Washington, Canberra, and London, challenging China, per four US officials.
The agreement, known as AUKUS, would include at least one US nuclear-powered submarine visiting Australian ports in the coming years and a new class of submarines constructed using British designs and American technology in the late 2030s, one official said.
To determine the best course of action for supplying Australia with US nuclear-powered submarines and other cutting-edge US weapons, US President Joe Biden will meet with the leaders of Australia and Britain on Monday in San Diego, California, according to Reuters.
The Western coalition attempts to oppose China's military development, pressure on Taiwan, and more aggressive deployments in the disputed South China Sea, which have been denounced by Beijing, The Japan Times reported.
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Countering China's Aggression in the Indo-Pacific
In 2021, Australia, US, and Britain decided to work together to fight China's growing threat in the Indo-Pacific area by equipping Australia with the capability to launch US nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, per CNN. Though, the three nations have not yet reached an agreement on how exactly to accomplish that objective.
Submarine forward deployment in Western Australia is expected to occur by 2027, according to two officials who spoke on the request of anonymity.
Australia plans to purchase three US nuclear-powered submarines of the Virginia class in the early 2030s, with an additional two submarines available as an option.
Many people in all three nations might find work on AUKUS, which could make it Australia's largest military project ever.
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