Australia’s defence industry minister caused confusion in Washington after he declared American subs would be at HMAS Stirling for only five years. Now both countries say it will be indefinite.

AUKUS submarines rotating through Western Australia's HMAS Stirling naval base appear set to stop after 2032.

A day after saying US submarine rotation would “come to an end” early next decade, Conroy said the agreement could easily be renewed or expanded.