CEBU, Philippines, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday the country remains on track to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine from the United States.
• "We're working at a pace to delivering the optimal pathway to Australia acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine capability," Marles said in an interview.
• Marles said Australia is on track to receive Virginia-class submarines from the US from around 2030 under the AUKUS submarine partnership that also includes Britain.
• Marles met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, describing the alliance "as important today as it's ever been".
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in August the defence pact remained "full steam ahead"
(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by David Stanway)