Deal covers the design, build and operation of SSN-Aukus nuclear submarines but comes under shadow of US review of security pact
Australia and the UK have signed a 50-year treaty to cement the Aukus pact to design and build a new class of nuclear-powered submarine.
Australia’s defence minister, Richard Marles, and the UK’s defence secretary, John Healey, signed the deal – dubbed the “Geelong Treaty” – in Geelong on Saturday, with Marles saying it was among the most significant treaties between the two nations.
It came as the US, which is not a party to the treaty, wavers on its own role in the trilateral Aukus agreement, after the Trump administration launched a review to examine whether it aligns with his “America first” agenda.
A joint statement released by the UK and Australia said the treaty would enable cooperation on the SSN-Aukus submarine’s design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal, as well as workforce, infrastructure and regulatory systems.
