-
Why Australia's new defence pact with the US and Britain is so significant
As Australians woke up and poured milk into their cereal bowls on Thursday, the geopolitical world slightly shifted on its axis. Already close allies, Australia made a transcontinental media announcement with the United States and Britain. In doing so, the federal government dumped its $90 billion plan to build a new attack class submarine fleet, parting ways with French defence company Naval Group and the French government on the massive project. Instead, the US will now provide Australia with technology for nuclear-powered submarines. The cost of the pivot is unclear. At a minimum, it's understood to be $2.4 ... (full story)