Richard Marles insists Aukus submarine deal will not erode Australia’s military sovereignty

Defence minister to tell parliament agreement with US and UK will not limit Australia’s independence on deployment decisions

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Richard Marles insists Australia will always make its own decisions on military deployments, hitting back at Malcolm Turnbull’s and Paul Keating’s claims the Aukus deal will erode the country’s sovereignty.

The defence minister will tell parliament on Thursday that acquiring at least eight nuclear-powered submarines will “dramatically enhance” Australia’s sovereignty, rather than undermine it.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup