Australian defense chief defends updated military deal with US, UK

SYDNEY -- Australia's top defense official on Friday pushed back against criticism that the planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would leave the country beholden to the U.S.

The comments came amid revelations that the U.S., U.K. and Australia had inked an updated AUKUS agreement that allows Australia to formally receive nuclear reactors, material and equipment while meeting "the highest" nonproliferation standards. It was signed earlier this week, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Friday, and details were included in a letter U.S. President Joe Biden sent to Congress.