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.
A Lowy Institute report warns China's missile strike capability on Australia is growing due to expanded long-range missile arsenals, nuclear submarines, and advanced bombers, posing a real and increasing threat over the next decade.
India is set to sign an $8 billion deal for German-designed Type 214 submarines, featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. The move aims to bolster India's naval capabilities amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, driven by China's growing naval power and Pakistan's military ties with Beijing. The submarines will be built in India, involving technology transfer.
Former Australian foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans has called the Aukus nuclear submarine deal one of the worst defence decisions ever made, warning it effectively extends the US military fleet and paints a target on Australia's back. He expressed skepticism about delivery timelines and costs, particularly for the UK-Australia joint submarines.
Greens defence spokesman David Shoebridge argues Australia's plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS is unrealistic for defending sea trade lanes, advocating for a more modest defence approach and diplomatic engagement with Asian neighbours amidst rising tensions with China.
Australia shifts Aukus deal to purchase secondhand nuclear submarines from the US, prompting strategic and diplomatic questions.
Australian officials discussed changing the AUKUS pact with the US starting early last year, leading to the decision to purchase three second-hand Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s instead of two second-hand and one new. The change is seen as more cost-effective and simpler to operate.
Australia's plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines has shifted, with the government now opting for three used Virginia-class submarines instead of a mix of new and used. Officials faced scrutiny for the change, with critics accusing AUKUS of damaging public confidence and the English language.
Australia is preparing for an imminent El Niño, with the Bureau of Meteorology and other agencies forecasting its development in the coming months. The World Meteorological Organization noted a 90% chance of El Niño forming in the Pacific before November.
Australia is set to receive three secondhand US Virginia-class nuclear submarines, with the first arriving in 2032. Defense Minister Pat Conroy dismissed criticism, stating the deal is cheaper and more efficient, while acknowledging potential US congressional review.
Australia's government confirmed plans to acquire three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US under the AUKUS security pact. Ministers defended the decision, stating capability is key, while a backbencher called for a rethink. Separately, Australia seeks a new treaty with the Solomon Islands.
Australia will acquire three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US under a revised AUKUS pact, a move Defence Minister Richard Marles states was the government's original preference for operational consistency. Meanwhile, PM Anthony Albanese will discuss a new treaty with Solomon Islands' PM Matthew Wale amid strategic competition with China.
South Korea and the US held talks on security issues, including South Korea's potential acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and rights for uranium enrichment and reprocessing. The discussions aim to implement agreements from a previous summit and are expected to accelerate cooperation.
South Korea and the US began new security talks focusing on implementing agreements, including Seoul's bid for nuclear-powered submarines. The inaugural meeting addressed nuclear cooperation and other security issues, aiming to deepen the bilateral alliance.
South Korean presidential envoy Kang Hoon-sik joked about arriving by submarine to future meetings with Canadian defense officials, highlighting Korea's punctuality and reliability in defense procurement. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral defense and industrial cooperation, including Canada's next-generation submarine project.
South Korea and the US began their first security talks on June 2nd to implement agreements from last year's summit. Key topics include Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Australia will now purchase three used Virginia-class submarines instead of two used and one new under the AUKUS pact. This change, revealed by a senior defense official, aims to streamline the deal and reduce costs, though it has sparked calls for renegotiation from within the Labor party and scrutiny from the opposition.
Labor MP Ed Husic is urging Australia to renegotiate the AUKUS pact, citing US production challenges and a recent change in submarine acquisition plans. Opposition and Greens also question the deal's transparency and commitment.
Labor MP Ed Husic has warned Australia needs a backup plan for the Aukus submarine deal due to sluggish US production and the "transactional nature" of the Trump administration. Defence Minister Richard Marles agreed to accept three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US.
China's fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, is rapidly taking shape, featuring advanced capabilities like nuclear power and electromagnetic catapults. This development highlights global investment in aircraft carriers, despite their vulnerability to modern threats like drones and missiles.
Former environment minister Peter Garrett will lead a crowd-funded review of Australia's A$368bn Aukus submarine deal. The inquiry will examine the deal's impact on safety, regional security, sovereignty, and relations with China.
South Korea and the U.S. began their first security talks on Tuesday to implement agreements from last year's summit, focusing on Seoul's bid for nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing.
South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is set to meet with U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker to discuss Seoul's plans for nuclear-powered submarines and the transfer of wartime operational control of troops.
Australia's AUKUS submarine plan now involves acquiring three used Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US, a shift Defence Minister Richard Marles says will save money and simplify training. Analysts debate the impact on naval capabilities, while experts note the Block IV models are relatively new and highly capable.
