Part 5/9:
The US currently produces only one Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine annually, which is insufficient to support its own naval fleet and regional commitments. Furthermore, the ongoing review of the Orcus submarine deal complicates matters, especially as hardline factions within the Trump administration consider demanding explicit commitments from Australia regarding its stance should China invade Taiwan. McGarin explained that these demands may include whether Australia would support the US militarily in such a conflict, highlighting a potential shift in regional security expectations.