Australia, UK, US finalize nuclear-powered submarine deal for Indo-Pacific

British Defense Minister Grant Schapps has provided an update on the nuclear-powered submarine deal between Australia, the UK and the USA in response to China's military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

As reported by BBC, UK Defense Minister Grant Schapps announced on October 1 the finalization of a £4 billion (approx. $4.9 billion) contract with the English defence giant, BAE Systems to start production on a new nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Within the framework of the so-called AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) security pact, which was established in 2021, the partners will supply Australia with nuclear submarines in the early 2030s in order to counter China's growing military ambitions across the Indo-Pacific.

As the publication notes, the UK has shifted its focus to the Indo-Pacific region in terms of its security and trade relations amid Brexit.

BAE Systems will start work on the new nuclear submarine generation late this decade and begin delivery at the end of the 2030s. The production site will move to Australia in the 2040s.

Beijing has reacted harshly to this alliance, accusing the three Anglo-Saxon countries of adopting a "Cold War mentality".