The United Kingdom and Australia inked a new defence agreement in Canberra on Thursday, as they try to boost a fledgling nuclear-powered submarine programme with the United States.
UK defence minister Grant Shapps signed the agreement in Canberra with his counterpart Richard Marles, establishing a legal framework that makes it easier to host troops and share military Intelligence. there will also be closer collaboration on undersea warfare, autonomous sea mine clearance, science, technology and workforces; as well as UK’s contribution to the Combined Intelligence Centre – Australia, within the Defence Intelligence Organisation.
The UK will contribute to exercises in Australia such as Talisman Sabre, Pitch Black, and Predators Run; while Australia will lend support for UK’s Littoral Response Group-South and a carrier strike group visit to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.