Key facts
- Australia is on track to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine from the US around 2030.
- The AUKUS submarine partnership includes the United States and Britain.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated on Wednesday that the country remains on schedule to obtain its first nuclear-powered submarine from the United States. Marles indicated that Australia is progressing towards acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine capability, with Virginia-class submarines expected from the US around 2030 as part of the AUKUS partnership, which also involves Britain. He met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, emphasizing the alliance's significance. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously affirmed the defense pact's continued momentum.