Part 2/9:
Lee traces the origins of the Orcus program back over a decade, highlighting its initial purpose as a potential deal with the United Kingdom to access their future submarine designs. According to Boris Johnson, during an interview for the documentary Into the Deep, the goal was originally to involve the British in Australia's submarine capabilities. However, US interests soon intertwined with this plan, especially after discussions with President Joe Biden, who saw an opportunity to sell Australia the American Virginia-class submarines.
Interestingly, Orcus was not initially intended for Australia to receive American Virginia-class submarines. The plans seem to have evolved over time, leading to complexities that threaten to jeopardize Australia's strategic readiness.