Australia has recently unveiled a significant investment of AUD 3.9 billion (USD 2.8 billion) as a 'down payment' for the construction of a new nuclear submarine shipyard in Osborne, Adelaide, under the AUKUS defense pact with the US and the UK. This investment is a crucial step in arming Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge submarines, with the sale of these submarines expected to begin in 2032. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, 'Investing in the submarine construction yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.' The total projected cost for the facility is estimated at AUD 30 billion over the coming decades, with the shipyard expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs (South China Morning Post).