US: Australia will not face capability gap; Nuclear subs

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US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin vows Australia will not face capability gap as it waits for nuclear-powered submarines

The Secretary of Defence says the United States has recognised the future capability gap for Australia as he made a vow to ensure its ally was not left unprotected.
David Wu

December 7, 2022

The United States has vowed Australia will not be left with a capability gap while it waits for the nuclear-powered submarines to be built and come online.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Austin Lloyd on Tuesday (local time) for a crucial meeting on the two nations' alliance and security.

The quartet spoke positively about Australia and the US' relationship in their opening remarks of a press conference before taking questions from the media.

Secretary of State Lloyd Austin hits out at China's 'dangerous' actions as US pledges more navy and army presence in Australia

The United States will bolster its navy and army presence in Australia as foreign and defence ministers from both countries commit to act as a “force for stability” against China’s increasing regional coercion.
Tyrone Clarke

December 7, 2022

Senior US and Australian ministers have singled out China’s “dangerous and coercive” actions throughout the Indo-Pacific as Canberra and Washington commit to bolster joint defence cooperation.

“Based upon today’s talks we will increase rotational presence of US forces in Australia,” Secretary Austin said.

“That includes rotations of bomber taskforces fighters and future rotations of US navy and US army capabilities.

“We will also expand our logistics and sustainment cooperation and that will deepen our interoperability and create more agile and resilient capabilities.”

The secretary also flagged greater trilateral military collaboration with Japan, which will see further military exercises in the future.