Australia announced on Friday that it will invest an additional US$3.2 billion to build a facility for nuclear-powered submarines. The funding is part of the AUKUS security pact, a defense agreement between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom signed in 2021. Under this deal, Australia will receive three nuclear-powered submarines from the United States. Later, Australia and Britain plan to jointly build a new class of submarines by the 2040s. This is Australia’s most expensive defense project, but it has faced criticism over concerns about slow submarine production. The extra funds will go toward constructing a submarine yard and related infrastructure. The AUKUS agreement aims to strengthen military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. However, some experts and lawmakers have questioned the project’s costs and timelines. Australia's government says the investment is necessary for national security. The new funding brings total spending on the program to billions of dollars. The submarines are expected to enhance Australia's naval capabilities. The deal also involves sharing sensitive nuclear technology, which has raised non-proliferation concerns. Officials say the project remains on track despite the challenges. The announcement comes as Australia seeks to modernize its military amid rising regional tensions.