Washington. September 16. INTERFAX-The US plan to help Australia obtain nuclear submarines will allow the Australian Navy to significantly increase its capabilities, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin said on Thursday.
"Nuclear submarines will significantly increase both the defensive potential of the Australian Navy and their range of action," he said at a press conference in Washington.
In addition, according to Austin, such submarines will " strengthen the deterrent factor in the region."
This project caused controversy in the West, as for its sake Australia was forced to abandon the contract with France for the supply of submarines.
Earlier it was reported that the French Foreign Ministry regrets Australia's decision to terminate the contract for the supply of French submarines to the Australian Navy.
According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, this is a serious loss of confidence. "I am really angry, this is a one-sided tough and unpredictable decision," the minister said on Thursday on the radio station France Enfo.
At the same time, Le Drian noted that there are many ambiguities in Australia's decision.
"The statements that were made lack clarity. Nothing is finished. We have a contract, the Australians will have to give explanations, " he said.