The US, UK and Australia, under AuKus, have unveiled details of their plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The move is aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key points
- Under the Aukus pact Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs – at least three – from the US.
- The allies will also work to create a new fleet using cutting-edge tech, including UK-made Rolls-Royce reactors.
- Under the deal, Australian navy sailors will be sent to US and UK submarine bases to learn how to use the nuclear-powered submarines.
- From 2027, the US and UK will also base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia.
- The Aukus security alliance was announced in September 2021.
