The deal was signed by Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton with U.S. and British diplomats.This deal allows the exchange of sensitive “naval nuclear propulsion information” between three countries.
It is the first agreement on technology to be publicly signed. The deal will help Australia to do an 18-month study into submarine procurement. Details of the procurement has not yet decided, including whether Australia will opt for a vessel based on British or U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines.With access to the information delivered under the deal, Australia will be positioned to be reliable and responsible stewards of the naval nuclear-powered technology.
Australia, UK and US had announced the formation of a new defence alliance between them, called AUKUS. It was created to confront strategic tensions in the Pacific Ocean, where China-US rivalry is increasing.
