What is the AUKUS deal of America, Australia and Britain
Leaders of the US, Australia and Britain on Monday unveiled plans to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia. Meanwhile, the objection of China has come to the fore, which considers the deal a threat.
What is an AUKUS deal? What’s in the agreement? What is the reason behind the AUKUS deal? Read on to know more
What is the AUKUS deal, when was it announced?
AUKUS is a trilateral security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US. It was announced in March 2021 by US President Joe Biden. At that time, Biden, then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared together virtually to expand the new coalition.
What’s in the agreement?
Australia will build eight nuclear-capable submarines in collaboration with the US and the UK. Greater sharing of defense capabilities will be allowed. The three countries will turn their attention to the development of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
A ‘tripartitely developed’ vessel based on a UK next generation design to be built in the UK, with joint technical cooperation between Australia and the US, under the name SSN AUKUS. An Australian defense official said the project would cost $368 billion by 2055.
Australia is expected to buy three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines by 2030. By 2027, the US will deploy two of its submarines off the coast of Australia.
What is the reason behind the AUKUS deal?
This agreement is being seen as an attempt to reduce China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. Analysts are describing this agreement as a major step aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. This is the reason why China has expressed its unhappiness on this agreement.
