Australia is set to receive three secondhand US Virginia-class nuclear submarines, with the first arriving in 2032. Defense Minister Pat Conroy dismissed criticism, stating the deal is cheaper and more efficient, while acknowledging potential US congressional review.
Australia's government confirmed plans to acquire three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US under the AUKUS security pact. Ministers defended the decision, stating capability is key, while a backbencher called for a rethink. Separately, Australia seeks a new treaty with the Solomon Islands.
Australia will now purchase three used Virginia-class submarines instead of two used and one new under the AUKUS pact. This change, revealed by a senior defense official, aims to streamline the deal and reduce costs, though it has sparked calls for renegotiation from within the Labor party and scrutiny from the opposition.
Labor MP Ed Husic is urging Australia to renegotiate the AUKUS pact, citing US production challenges and a recent change in submarine acquisition plans. Opposition and Greens also question the deal's transparency and commitment.
Labor MP Ed Husic has warned Australia needs a backup plan for the Aukus submarine deal due to sluggish US production and the "transactional nature" of the Trump administration. Defence Minister Richard Marles agreed to accept three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US.
Australia opts for a third secondhand Virginia-class submarine over new models to simplify training and reduce costs in the Aukus program, with estimated savings but no fundamental cost shift in the $370bn deal.
