Under the AUKUS defense agreement, Australia’s submarine procurement plans have been revised, with Canberra now expected to acquire only used nuclear-powered submarines from the United States. The move is seen as a shift toward a simpler and more feasible implementation model for the program.
Originally signed in 2021 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, AUKUS envisaged that Canberra would be equipped with Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines, including both new and transferred vessels. However, following discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the partners have reconsidered their approach.
Under the revised plan, all submarines to be delivered to Australia will come from the existing fleet of the US Navy. This change is intended to simplify both technical and logistical processes.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles explained the decision as follows:
“In a very complex project, we must prioritize simplicity.”
He added that using a unified model would improve management efficiency and make costs more predictable.
The US Navy currently operates around 20 Virginia-class submarines. However, concerns remain due to the limited capacity of US shipyards, which are struggling to increase production rates. While the US plans to build around two submarines per year, actual output may not fully meet targets.
Some US policymakers have warned that transferring older submarines to Australia could affect the operational readiness of the US fleet.
Despite these concerns, AUKUS remains one of the key defense initiatives aimed at reshaping the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region. The program is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars and will require long-term industrial coordination to be fully implemented.
It is also noted that the AUKUS agreement previously caused significant diplomatic tension after Australia cancelled its conventional submarine deal with France.
