US Gives Nuclear Submarines, Australia Expands Access To Its Air Base For American Fighter Planes

An illustration of an RAAF FA-18 fighter jet at Australian military airbase Williamtown in New South Wales,. (Wikimedia Commons/USAF /Tech. Sgt. Oscar M. Sanchez-Alvarez)

JAKARTA - Australia will widen its military air base for US military aircraft, following the announcement of the expanded cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement comes just a day after Australia, the United States and Britain announced an agreement to build a joint defense alliance, AUKUS, to provide Australia with nuclear submarine technology, but drew criticism from China and objections from France.

Speaking after a meeting between the US Secretary of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton said the two sides would significantly enhance our joint force posture, enhance interoperability and deepen alliance activities in the Indo-Pacific.

"This will include greater air cooperation, through the rotational deployment of all types of US military aircraft to Australia," Dutton said at a joint news conference in Washington.

"We have also established joint logistical support and capabilities for maintenance, to support our enhanced activities, including logistics and maintenance capabilities for our submarines and surface combatants in Australia."

The deal also scrapped plans to build an Australian submarine fleet with France worth $40 billion. Dutton said France's nuclear-powered options were 'no superior' to those operated by Britain and the United States.

"Ultimately, the decisions we make are based in the best interests of our national security, and security and peace in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

Dutton said there would be more bilateral exercises and greater joint exercise engagement with partners in the region.

The nuclear submarines would allow Australia to operate across the region and for a longer time than those involved in the French deal, military analysts said.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the meeting had supported "a major force posture initiative that will expand our access to and presence in Australia."

The US, UK and Australia said on Wednesday they would build a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, amid China's rapidly growing influence in the region.

The United States and its allies are seeking ways to counter China's growing power and influence, particularly its military build-up, pressure on Taiwan and deployments in the contested South China Sea.