The Australian Collins-class submarines will be replaced by nuclear-powered subs with technology provided by the US under Aukus. Photo / Australian Defence ForceThe Australian Collins-class submarines will be replaced by nuclear-powered subs with technology provided by the US under Aukus. Photo / Australian Defence ForceAustralia unveiled A$3.9 billion ($4.5b) in spending today as a “down payment” on a new facility to build nuclear submarines under the tripartite Aukus security pact with Britain and the United States. The Aukus pact aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge submarines from the US and would provide for co-operation in developing an array of warfare technologies. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the facility in Osborne, near Adelaide, would be at the heart of that.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 15, 2026 09:01 UTC