At the same time, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom are joining forces for a new generation of submarines, the SSN-AUKUS.
Australia will buy three US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, with an option on two more, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Monday.
The submarines are to be delivered from 2030, as part of the new AUKUS military alliance bringing together the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, he told reporters aboard Air Force One.
These countries will join forces for a new generation of submarines, called SSN-AUKUS.
These devices, nuclear-powered and conventionally armed, will involve “significant investments” in the three countries, he added.
Diplomatic crisis
American leaders Joe Biden, British Rishi Sunak and Australian Anthony Albanese met on Monday in the United States for an AUKUS alliance summit.
For a year and a half, extensive discussions have been taking place behind the scenes between Washington, Canberra and London regarding Australia obtaining sensitive nuclear propulsion technologies.
The conclusion of the AUKUS alliance, with the corollarycancellation by Canberra of the contract for the acquisition of 12 French submarineshad given rise to a diplomatic crisis with France.
