eagleone
Contributor
- Dec 23, 2023
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In a significant development, the U.S. Congress has given its nod to a comprehensive bill, covering various military priorities, paving the way for the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia under the AUKUS security pact. The legislation, which encompasses provisions for AUKUS, successfully passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate, securing bipartisan support.
The Australian government has expressed satisfaction with the prompt legislative approval, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan votes in Congress. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles highlighted the historic nature of this move, stating that it would significantly enhance Australia's ability to deter, innovate, and collaborate on defense matters over the coming decades.
The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a key component, granting the U.S. the authority to sell Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, with the transfer expected to occur in the 2030s. This involves the acquisition of at least three submarines, two secondhand and one new off the production line. Certification from the U.S. president remains a necessary step for the completion of the transfer.
In addition to submarine sales, the NDAA allows the maintenance of U.S. submarines by Australians in Australia and facilitates Australian contractor training in U.S. shipyards. The legislation also promotes the sharing of advanced defense technology among the U.S., Australia, and the UK, exempting them from U.S. defense export control licensing.
Read more: https://www.battlespacex.com/Article/59
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