Growing threats to critical underwater infrastructure, such as telecommunications cables and energy pipelines, underscore the need for stronger maritime defence capabilities, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told CNA's Tan Qiuyi on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

The new technology is expected to be ready by 2027 and is designed to help defend critical subsea cables and pipelines.

Australia will now forgo the purchase of a new build Virginia-class submarine and acquire another ex-US Navy boat instead.