Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then Krishani Dhanji will be your guide.
AUKUS Submarine Deal: Secondhand Preference Revealed
Australia’s preference was always to receive secondhand nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS deal, the defence secretary told Senate estimates last night. This revelation comes as the nation continues to navigate its strategic partnerships and defence capabilities under the trilateral security pact with the United Kingdom and the United States.
The defence secretary’s statement sheds light on Australia’s initial stance in negotiations, highlighting a pragmatic approach to acquiring advanced naval technology. More details on the rationale behind this preference and the implications for the AUKUS timeline are expected to emerge in the coming days.
ADF Deployment to Poland for Ukrainian Training
In a separate development, Australia is set to send Australian Defence Force (ADF) troops to Poland to help train Ukrainian fighters. This move underscores Australia’s continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The training mission will focus on enhancing the combat readiness of Ukrainian personnel, with ADF personnel deploying to Poland in the near future.
Further updates on these stories will be provided as they unfold. Stay tuned for more analysis and reactions from political leaders and defence experts.
