France confirms Australia defence ties restored after submarine row
France‑Australia Defence Ties Rebound After 2021 Submarine Clash
Paris apologises for the 2021 contract break‑up when Australia abandoned a multibillion‑dollar French diesel‑submarine deal, as France’s ambassador Pierre‑André Imbert reported on Sunday.
New Defence Era Since Albanese’s 2022 Election: The ambassador highlighted that the relationship rebooted under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, signalling a fresh collaboration phase.
Cooperation Pillars Restored
“The first pillar of our cooperation remains defence and security,” Imbert told AFP as French forces now participate in major drills around Australia.
Australia’s AUKUS Shift
When Australia scrapped the French contract, it opted for the three‑way AUKUS pact with the United States and Britain, securing nuclear‑powered vessels.
Last month, a U.S. defence official announced a review of AUKUS to keep the program in alignment with the President’s “America First” agenda and to ensure that the U.S. defence industrial base meets national needs.
AUKUS Delivery Target
- Australia must receive at least three Virginia‑class submarines from the U.S. within 15 years, eventually building its own subs.
- The U.S. Navy’s 24 Virginia‑class vessels face production bottlenecks, with shipyards struggling to meet a target of two new boats each year.
Future French Submarine Deal? Uncertain
When asked if France would consider a new submarine agreement if the AUKUS review torpedoed the pact, the ambassador declined to speculate.
“It’s an issue for Australia at the moment,” Imbert said. “We always discuss with our friends in Australia, but they chose AUKUS for now. If that changes and they ask, we’ll see.”
Annual Talisman Sabre Exercises Ongoing
More than 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations are slated to join the three‑week, annual Talisman Sabre exercises, which Sunday commenced across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
