Government unveils new AUKUS capabilities as EU trade deal languishes
Summary
SBS News reports on Australia’s new "Ghost Shark" autonomous underwater vehicle, which will deploy sea mines and drones as part of the AUKUS partnership, alongside a $5.8 billion investment in uncrewed warfare capabilities. The segment also covers the federal government’s push to ratify the Australian-EU free trade agreement, facing opposition from the Coalition and concerns from domestic meat and steel industries over market access and tariffs.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and program introduction
Announcement of Ghost Shark and Blue Bottle payloads
Capabilities of autonomous underwater vehicles
Deployment plans and complement to nuclear subs
Navy priorities and $5.8 billion investment
Timeline for nuclear subs and expert analysis
Modular approach and industry partnership
Coalition opposition to EU free trade agreement
Economic benefits and consumer access
Industry concerns and parliamentary path forward
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