AUKUS on track for Australia subs in early 2030s, Marles says

CEBU, Philippines, Oct 28 - Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday the country remains on track to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine from the United States.• "We're working at a pace to delivering the optimal pathway to Australia acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine capability," Marles said in an interview.• Marles said Australia is on track to receive Virginia-class submarines from the US from around 2030 under the AUKUS submarine partnership that also includes Britain.• Marles met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, describing the alliance "as important today as it's ever been".• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in August the defence pact remained "full steam ahead" REUTERS