Australia to Purchase Three Nuclear-Powered Submarines from the United States

Under a revised agreement of the AUKUS security pact, Australia will purchase three used nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Marles said the updated deal would allow Australia to acquire only second-hand submarines, a move expected to significantly reduce procurement costs.

Under the original agreement signed in 2021, Australia was set to receive at least two used submarines and one new Virginia-class submarine. However, the revised arrangement specifies that all three submarines will be previously operated vessels.

In a joint statement, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia said the change would simplify supply, operation, and maintenance processes while maximizing cost savings.

The project, being carried out under the AUKUS partnership, is widely regarded as a key initiative to strengthen the defense capabilities of the three member nations: United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

As part of the project’s funding commitments, the United Kingdom will invest approximately £4 billion (about $5.3 billion), the United States $17.5 billion, and Australia more than A$30 billion (around $20.7 billion).

Marles expressed confidence that the AUKUS agreement would significantly enhance Australia’s maritime defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.