Australia to buy U.S. nuclear submarines under AUKUS

• Australia has unveiled plans to buy up to five U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, then build a new model with U.S. and British technology.

No nukes

• Australia, which joined a newly formed alliance known as AUKUS with US and UK 18 months ago, will not be getting nuclear weapons.
• Acquiring stealthy submarines powered by nuclear reactors puts Australia in an elite club and at the forefront of U.S.- led efforts to push back against Chinese military expansion.
• The submarines are expected to be equipped with cruise missiles that can strike foes from long distances, offering a potent deterrent to would-be attackers.

Deal to be struck

• Australia, for its part, will have to make “an arrangement” with the UN watchdog to be able to use nuclear material “such as nuclear propulsion for submarines”.
• The Australian government estimates the multi-decade project will cost almost $40 billion in the first 10 years, and create an estimated 20,000 jobs.

Prelims Take AWay

• AUKUS