Sun Jul 13 16:13:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

France and Australia’s defense relations have recovered after a fallout in 2021 due to Australia cancelling a submarine deal with France in favor of the AUKUS pact (Australia, UK, US). The French ambassador stated that defense and security cooperation has resumed. However, the AUKUS deal, which involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines from the US, is currently under review by the US, raising questions about its future. France is open to discussing new deals with Australia if the AUKUS agreement falls through. Multinational Talisman Sabre military exercises have commenced in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

**News Article:**

**France and Australia Repair Defense Ties as AUKUS Deal Faces Uncertainty**

*Sydney, Australia – July 13, 2025* – French-Australian defense relations have significantly improved since the contentious cancellation of a major submarine contract in 2021, according to France’s Ambassador to Australia, Pierre-Andre Imbert. Speaking on Sunday, Ambassador Imbert highlighted the renewed focus on defense and security cooperation between the two nations, particularly as French forces participate in the large-scale Talisman Sabre military exercises currently underway.

The rift between France and Australia emerged when Australia scrapped a multi-billion dollar deal for French diesel-powered submarines in favor of the AUKUS agreement with the United States and Britain. AUKUS promised Australia access to nuclear-powered submarine technology, with the initial plan being to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines from the US within 15 years, and eventually manufacture their own.

However, the future of the AUKUS agreement is now uncertain. A U.S. defense official recently revealed that the pact is undergoing a review to ensure it aligns with the current U.S. administration’s priorities and the capabilities of the American defense industry. Concerns have been raised regarding the ability of U.S. shipyards to meet existing production targets for Virginia-class submarines.

When asked about the possibility of France and Australia revisiting a potential submarine deal if the AUKUS agreement were to collapse, Ambassador Imbert stated he was reluctant to speculate, while also leaving the door open to discussion, stating, “I would say it’s more an issue for Australia for the moment. And of course, we are always discussing with our friends of Australia… If this changes (and) they ask, we’ll see.”

The Talisman Sabre exercises, a three-week annual event, commenced on Sunday, bringing together over 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The exercises underscore the ongoing importance of international cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Read More