Experts at a public inquiry warn Australia's proposed Aukus nuclear submarine fleet will generate tonnes of weapons-usable uranium-235, posing significant proliferation risks and long-term radioactive waste management challenges, potentially weakening global non-proliferation efforts.
Naval analysts have identified what appears to be a new class of Chinese submarine, first reported in early June. High-resolution images from May 29 show the boat, estimated at 120 meters long, on a floating dock, suggesting a new design with a reduced sail.
Australia is investing A$4.6 billion (US$3.2 billion) into a shipyard in Osborne, South Australia, to build sovereign capability for its future submarine fleet under the AUKUS deal, addressing concerns over slow production rates from the US and UK.
An independent public inquiry into the Australia-UK-US Aukus pact highlights substantial concerns regarding its $368bn cost, the suitability of nuclear submarines, and the lack of parliamentary debate, urging greater transparency and scrutiny of the nation's largest defense expenditure.
China's navy launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, stating it was routine training. Despite advance notification, the test raised concerns among Pacific governments and partners due to the short warning period and historical context of nuclear tests in the region.
China successfully tested an intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine on July 6, joining an elite club of UN Security Council permanent members. While a defence win, it increases regional responsibilities and marks a step towards continuous SSBN patrols, potentially altering the nuclear deterrence landscape in the Asia-Pacific.
Canada has chosen a German consortium led by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build 12 new submarines, a contract potentially worth over $70 billion. This deal aims to replace aging vessels and enhance Canada's Arctic presence and NATO capabilities.
Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) chosen as preferred supplier for Canada's Patrol Submarine Project, potentially acquiring up to 12 Type 212CD submarines. This marks Canada's largest defense procurement amid global submarine fleet expansion.
South Korea's Hanwha Ocean narrowly lost Canada's $40 billion submarine contract to Germany's TKMS. Analysts say the close competition proves Seoul's capability against traditional powers, boosting its global defence market reputation.
China's Navy launched a ballistic missile from a submarine during a joint exercise with Russia. The missile traveled approximately 6,000 km, falling short of its potential range. This test is part of a series of missile tests conducted by China.
Hanwha Ocean's stock dropped 23% after Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems was chosen as the preferred supplier for Canada's new submarine fleet. The contract, estimated at $100 billion over 30 years, was a significant loss for the South Korean company.
Canada has chosen German defence contractor Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Company for a US multibillion-dollar submarine fleet. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision, highlighting strengthened ties with Nato amidst a less reliable United States.
Canada has chosen German defense contractor Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build a multi-billion dollar submarine fleet, opting over South Korean firm Hanwha Ocean. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision, highlighting strengthened ties with NATO amid shifting global alliances.
Canada has chosen ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for its Patrol Submarine Project, a deal potentially worth billions of euros for up to a dozen submarines. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection, calling it the largest defense purchase in Canadian history, ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara.
Canada announced a historic deal to acquire up to a dozen submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which won the lucrative contract over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. The announcement precedes a NATO summit in Ankara and follows US pressure on allies to increase defense spending.
Canada has chosen a German consortium led by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build 12 new submarines, a contract worth over $12 billion. This deal aims to replace aging vessels and enhance Canada's Arctic presence, strengthening its NATO commitments ahead of a key summit.
China confirmed a ballistic missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine in the western Pacific, highlighting its growing sea-based nuclear deterrent. The test draws attention to China's Julang (JL) missile family, a key part of its nuclear triad.
Jacqui Lambie, Pauline Hanson, David Pocock, and 15 other MPs/senators are urging Attorney General Michelle Rowland to intervene after the Department of Industry, Science and Resources escalated a FOI case against Rex Patrick to the federal court, risking $150,000 in legal costs for him.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a £298bn Defence Investment Plan over four years, boosting military capabilities with £15bn extra for drones, AI, cyber warfare, and nuclear deterrence. The plan aligns with NATO goals, aiming to deter aggression amid warnings of potential Russian attacks by 2030.
Keir Starmer's £298bn defence investment plan faces criticism for a £4.7bn funding gap, leaving the next prime minister, Andy Burnham, to find the extra funds. The plan prioritizes drones, fighter jets, and nuclear weapons, with spending rising to 2.7% of GDP by 2030.
The UK's entire operational fleet of 5 Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines is currently unable to deploy due to maintenance bottlenecks, leaving Britain 'toothless' amid tensions with Russia, according to the UK Defence Journal.
South Korea held a launch ceremony in Busan for the lead vessel of its Submarine Tugboat-II program, designed to support and tow the Navy's 3,000-ton class submarines, including the 3,600-ton Jang Bogo submarines. It will enhance combat support capabilities.
South Korea's Hanwha Ocean is in a final push to win Canada's $39 billion submarine project, aiming to replace the Royal Canadian Navy's aging fleet with 12 new diesel-electric vessels. The KSS-III class submarine is highlighted for its proven operational record.
A Lowy Institute report indicates China's missile capabilities pose a growing threat to Australia, with new long-range and hypersonic weapons increasing Beijing's capacity for direct strikes. The report assesses China's military build-up, not its intentions, highlighting the need for informed public discussion.
