UK and Australia Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Global Challenges

Australia and Britain's defense and foreign ministers are set to meet in Sydney for discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation, coinciding with Australia's largest set of war games and the landmark visit of a British carrier strike group.

The AUKMIN meeting will feature Britain's Foreign Minister, David Lammy, and Defence Secretary, John Healey, visiting the northern city of Darwin where the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier is participating in the Talisman Sabre war games. This visit underscores Britain's pivotal role as a partner amid new global strategic challenges, as emphasized by Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles.

The Talisman Sabre exercises, involving approximately 40,000 troops from 19 nations, signal a robust rehearsal of joint war strategies vital for Indo-Pacific stability, with Britain increasing its participation. The talks are expected to focus on the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine project, reinforcing defense ties as Australia navigates its response to US urges for increased defense expenditure.

(With inputs from agencies.)