Washington, April 24 (QNA) - The United States approved the first contract under the AUKUS security pact with the United Kingdom and Australia, tied to the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

Valued at $196 million, the contract was awarded to US firm Electric Boat and will be funded by Australia, covering engineering support, technical activities, and design transfer.

Under the 2021 agreement, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with support from Washington and London, alongside broader military technology cooperation.

Canberra has also committed an additional $8 billion over ten years to upgrade shipbuilding and maintenance facilities in Perth for its future submarine fleet. (QNA)