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Australia to Receive Three Second‑Hand US Virginia Nuclear Submarines

AUKUS ministers say the move streamlines training, logistics and cost but the change has amplified doubts over US shipyard capacity and long‑term Australian capability.

PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - 2023/03/08: A nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine cruises into the Navy Port at Port Canaveral. According to U.S. officials, Australia is expected to purchase as many as five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States to be delivered in pursuant to an agreement between the United States, Australia, and Great Britain. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Defence chief pressed on whether AUKUS plan has been rewritten.
Experts say used submarines don't change Australia's AUKUS goals, but critics think we're getting ripped off.
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Overview

  • The United States, United Kingdom and Australia agreed to replace the earlier plan of two used Virginias plus one new boat with three in‑service Virginia‑class submarines as part of the AUKUS program.
  • Australian ministers and the defence secretary say the uniform in‑service fleet will simplify maintenance, training and supply chains and reduce near‑term cost compared with operating mixed submarine types.
  • Labor backbencher Ed Husic and crossbench critics have demanded renegotiation or contingency planning and former minister Peter Garrett has launched a crowdfunded public inquiry to examine deliverability and costs.
  • Analysts warn US submarine production is running well below the rates needed to meet both US and allied demand and that buying older Block IV boats could shorten hull life, require expensive overhauls and reduce payload capacity.
  • The shift tightens Australia’s operational link to the US Navy, raises questions about alliance leverage over basing and missions, and places new pressure on Australia’s long‑term plan to build SSN‑AUKUS submarines in Adelaide.