‘Not the deal promised’: Labor’s Ed Husic questions Aukus pact that will deliver secondhand subs
Summary
Australia’s Labor MP Ed Husic warned that the Aukus submarine deal with the United States may not deliver the new nuclear submarines promised because of slow US production rates and political issues. Australia will receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines instead of new boats, raising concerns about delays and sovereignty.Key Facts
- The Aukus deal, worth $368 billion, was agreed in 2021 between Australia, the US, and the UK to provide Australia with nuclear submarines.
- Australia will now accept three used Virginia-class submarines from the US rather than new or mixed vessels.
- US shipyards currently produce about 1.1 to 1.2 Virginia-class subs per year, below the needed 2.33 per year for the deal’s timetable.
- The transfer of submarines depends on the US president agreeing to release them, based on US Navy needs.
- Ed Husic raised concerns about the “transactional nature” of the Trump administration affecting the deal.
- Defense Minister Richard Marles said accepting used submarines saves significant costs and simplifies training.
- There is internal debate within Australia’s Labor Party regarding the deal and its future delivery.
- A public inquiry into Aukus has been announced, led by former Labor minister Peter Garrett.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.