Posted 3/13/2024, 1:23:00 AM
Australia's Aukus submarine deal faces delays as US plans to cut production
- Turnbull says Australia "mugged by reality" as US plans to halve submarine production next year, throwing Aukus deal into doubt
- Original Aukus deal was for US to provide Australia at least 3 nuclear subs by 2030s to fill "capability gap" before Adelaide-built subs in 2040s
- Albanese played down budget impact, insisting US remains committed per agreement made last year
- US budget includes more spending on submarine industrial base, but production way below what's needed for US Navy
- Turnbull says Australia now at mercy of US timeline and own navy needs will be prioritized over Australia's