It's Hanwha against the hawks in race for shipbuilder Austal

Defence Minister Richard Marles last year made it clear he would want Austal to play a part in the nuclear-powered submarine development. It is currently building part of the US Virginia class submarine and would be a likely contender in building part of a newly designed submarine developed under the pact. Then there is the Defence Strategic Review, which called for a greater focus on maritime and amphibious missions, and which is likely to push military spending well over 2 per cent of GDP. And in November, Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy went even further to support Austal….