Nuclear submarine deal looms large over election

A landmark security pact to overhaul Australia’s navy with American muscle faces growing scepticism, stoked by its eyewatering cost and growing distrust of US President Donald Trump.

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But the sweeping deal, which will see Australia buy nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, is just about the only thing not up for debate ahead of Saturday's closely fought election.

Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom signed the Aukus agreement to great fanfare in 2021, joining forces in a multi-decade effort to balance China’s military might.

Aukus commits Washington, London and Canberra to the joint development of cyber warfare tools, artificial intelligence and hypersonic missiles.

A key feature is for Australia to acquire a fleet of cutting-edge nuclear-powered submarines from the United States.

Government forecasts estimate the submarine programme alone could cost Australia up to US$235 billion (7.8 trillion baht) over the next 30 years — one of its biggest-ever defence investments.