AUKUS

Australia announced AU$3.9 billion (US$2.8 billion) in spending on Sunday as a “down payment” on a new facility to build nuclear submarines under the Aukus security pact with Britain and the United States. The vessels are central to a strategy enhancing long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific, particularly against China. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the Osborne facility near Adelaide positions Australia to deliver sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capabilities for decades.