Australia remains on track to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine from the United States in the early 2030s, Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday, October 28.
“We’re working at a pace to delivering the optimal pathway to Australia acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine capability,” Marles said in an interview on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, where he met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He described the alliance as “as important today as it’s ever been.”
Under the AUKUS submarine partnership, which also includes Britain, Australia is on track to receive Virginia-class submarines from the US from around 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in August that the defence pact remained “full steam ahead.”
The reassurance comes as the project continues to draw scrutiny at home over its scale and cost, with an independent public inquiry’s report due next week. For now, though, the government’s message from the ASEAN sidelines is unchanged: the pathway to Australia’s first nuclear-powered submarines is proceeding as planned.
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.