US Congress Approves Sale of Nuclear Submarines to Australia

The landmark decision paves the way for the Aukus defense partnership, marking a significant shift in global military alliances.

US Congress has passed legislation authorizing the sale of Virginia-class nuclear submarines to Australia, marking the first time the US has authorized the sale of nuclear submarines to another country.
The Aukus defense partnership between Australia, the US, and Britain can now proceed, with Australia expected to have access to the nuclear-propelled submarines in the early 2030s.
The Aukus pact is Australia's most expensive defense project with a $244 billion price tag over three decades.
The legislation also enables Australians to work in the nuclear enterprise in the US, and allows Australia to maintain US nuclear submarines in Australia, which is planned to begin next year.
The legislation also exempts Australia from the US defense control export regime, creating a seamless defense industrial base across Australia, the US, and the UK.