The United States has revealed the USS Colorado as the first nuclear submarine to deploy to Australia under the AUKUS pact. The submarine will be based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from late 2027, Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a joint statement. It is the first of up to four US submarines, plus one from Britain, expected to rotate through the base. The plan has drawn criticism after the US said it would supply second-hand vessels rather than the new submarines first promised.
The United States has named USS Colorado as the first nuclear submarine to deploy to Australia under the AUKUS agreement. The 10-year-old Virginia-class vessel will be based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from late 2027, Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a joint statement. It is the first of up to four American submarines and one British submarine due to rotate through the base. The announcement follows criticism that the US would supply second-hand vessels rather than the brand-new submarine first promised. The statement says the arrangement will comply with relevant non-proliferation treaties.
Labor has described Payman's linking of a Haines-style attack to staffing allocation as outrageous. Payman has asked whether the Prime Minister is waiting for what happened to Helen Haines to happen again. Shoebridge has called for ethical Australian AI after a cyber threat warning. Lambie says Hanson has not personally apologised over a cartoon. A former Rio Tinto boss is set to lead a defence procurement watchdog, and the Farrer independent spent $1.7 million on a byelection campaign.
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Defence has revealed that Australia's Ghost Shark underwater drones can launch swarms of aerial drones carrying explosives and carry up to 12 sea mines. The navy is receiving dozens of the vehicles under a $1.7 billion contract signed last year. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the drones now have the ability to deny areas through mining and to strike targets far from Australia. The capabilities are being offered to the United States and United Kingdom under AUKUS technology sharing arrangements.
Defence officials have revealed the payloads for Australia's Ghost Shark underwater drones, which the navy can use to strike opponents, deploy sea mines and gather intelligence. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the drones can be deployed anywhere along the coastline. The vessels are made by American company Anduril Industries and form part of the AUKUS defence pact. Many technical details, including range, speed and size, remain secret. Navy chief Vice Admiral Matt Buckley said the program has matured into a mission-ready capability.
The Greens are challenging Labor's economic and foreign policies, arguing that the system fails to serve ordinary Australians. They propose publicly owned supermarkets to address rising grocery costs and corporate profits, but must demonstrate how this would ensure affordable food, reliable supply and accountable management. The party also questions expensive military commitments like AUKUS, raising concerns about Australian sovereignty and spending priorities. Additionally, they face pressure to clarify their stance on Palestine and Zionism, requiring careful political messaging. The Greens aim to turn voter frustration into support for ambitious reforms, but must provide clear, persuasive solutions.
Wollongong City Council has not taken a formal position on a potential AUKUS nuclear submarine base in Port Kembla. Greens councillor Deidre Stuart raised concerns at a council meeting, questioning whether the council had any input or awareness of plans for the base. Council staff responded that they were not aware of any specific documentation or plans from the Commonwealth Government regarding Port Kembla as a potential site. Labor councillors criticised Stuart's questions, with some suggesting they were politically motivated.
Over 1000 demonstrators gathered in Perth to oppose the Land Forces 2026 Exposition, criticising its focus on defence capabilities and the presence of exhibitors linked to human rights abuses. Organised by the WA Anti-War collective and supported by various groups, protesters condemned the $10 million taxpayer-funded security costs and the government's plans to expand the defence industry, including a proposed missile manufacturing hub in Collie. Demonstrators also expressed opposition to AUKUS and Australia's military alliance with the United States, highlighting concerns about funding priorities and the impact on essential services.
Over 1000 demonstrators gathered in Perth to oppose the Land Forces 2026 Exposition, criticising its focus on defence capabilities and the presence of exhibitors linked to human rights abuses. Organised by the WA Anti-War collective and supported by various groups, protesters condemned the $10 million taxpayer-funded security costs and the government's plans to expand the defence industry, including a proposed missile manufacturing hub in Collie. Demonstrators also expressed opposition to AUKUS and Australia's military alliance with the United States, highlighting concerns about funding priorities and the impact on essential services.
US President Donald Trump has pledged $US6.6 billion ($9.5 billion) to build more nuclear submarines, including Virginia-class boats for Australia under the AUKUS agreement. The funding will support a new naval yard in Baltimore, which is expected to increase submarine production by 15 per cent. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy welcomed the announcement as a sign of commitment to AUKUS, noting that all three partner nations are investing in their industrial bases to meet their submarine requirements.
