Albanese says Australian nuclear subs benefit US, UK

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a deal to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines will be the nation’s biggest leap in defense capability in its history. But Albanese said Tuesday the United States and Britain also plan to benefit from the partnership. A decision will be announced in March on how a fleet of Australian submarines powered with U.S. nuclear technology will be delivered under the AUKUS tripartite pact. Options include a next-generation U.S. Virginia-class sub, a British Astute-class or a new hybrid design. Critics argue that neither the United States nor Britain has the capacity to start delivering the subs by 2040, while Australia lacks the shipbuilding capability to take a lead role.