France-Australia Defense Relations Improve Post Submarine Pact Row

• France’s defence relations with Australia have improved post a 2021 dispute over a major submarine contract.

• Australia tore up a multibillion-dollar deal to buy a fleet of diesel-powered submarines from France.

• Australia later entered into an agreement with the U.S. and Britain under the AUKUS pact.

• Since the 2022 election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the defence relationship has been “restarted.”

• French forces joined major military drills around Australia, marking a good level of cooperation.