Australia Announces Shift to All Second-Hand Virginia-Class Submarines Under AUKUS
Australia will now acquire three in-service, second-hand Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States as part of a revised AUKUS defence agreement, marking a significant streamlining of the original plan. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the change as a cost-effective measure that will deliver substantial savings while simplifying training, operations and maintenance for the Royal Australian Navy.
The announcement came following trilateral discussions in Singapore involving Marles, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and UK Defence Secretary John Healey. The partners confirmed that Pillar 1 of AUKUS remains on track, with the shift replacing an earlier mix of new-build and used vessels.
Background on the AUKUS Partnership
AUKUS, formally announced in September 2021, is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States focused on deepening defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Pillar 1 centres on Australia acquiring a sovereign conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine capability. The original Optimal Pathway outlined the transfer of three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s as a bridge to the later co-development and construction of SSN-AUKUS boats in Australia and the UK.
The overall programme is valued at approximately A$368 billion and aims to deliver eight nuclear-powered submarines for Australia by the 2050s and 2060s. Rotational deployments of US and UK submarines at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia are already progressing, with the first US boat expected in the coming years.
Details of the Revised Submarine Acquisition
Under the updated arrangement, Australia will receive three Virginia-class submarines already in service with the US Navy rather than a combination that included at least one newly constructed vessel. This approach is intended to maximise cost efficiencies, streamline supply chains and reduce complexity in maintenance and training requirements.
Virginia-class submarines are advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines known for their stealth, endurance and multi-mission capabilities. The in-service boats selected for transfer will undergo necessary upgrades and certifications before delivery, expected from the early 2030s onward.
Rationale and Expected Benefits
Marles emphasised that acquiring only second-hand submarines represents a pragmatic decision that supports Australia’s goal of establishing a nuclear-powered submarine capability as quickly and affordably as possible. The change simplifies the programme by aligning all three initial boats to a single configuration already proven in US service.
Officials highlighted potential savings in both acquisition and long-term sustainment costs. A unified fleet of used Virginia-class boats is expected to ease the burden on Australian industry and personnel as they build expertise in nuclear propulsion and submarine operations.
Comparison to the Original Plan
The 2023 Optimal Pathway had envisaged Australia receiving a mix of two used and one new Virginia-class submarine. The revised approach eliminates the new-build component for the initial tranche, focusing exclusively on in-service vessels. This adjustment does not alter the broader timeline for the SSN-AUKUS class, which remains the long-term sovereign solution built in Adelaide.
Partners stressed that the core objectives of Pillar 1 — delivering an early nuclear-powered capability and supporting the US industrial base — continue unchanged.
Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
Government and Official Perspectives
Australian officials, including Marles, have framed the shift as a positive development that strengthens the overall AUKUS partnership. The move aligns with efforts to accelerate capability delivery while managing fiscal pressures.
US and UK counterparts echoed support for the streamlined pathway, noting it enhances interoperability and shared operational understanding across the three nations’ submarine forces.
Criticisms and Concerns
The decision has drawn scrutiny from analysts and opposition voices who question whether second-hand submarines will provide the same operational lifespan and cutting-edge capabilities as a new vessel. Concerns include potential reductions in remaining service life and the need for extensive refurbishment.
Broader criticisms of the AUKUS programme persist, encompassing debates over total costs, workforce requirements, nuclear stewardship arrangements and the strategic implications of introducing nuclear propulsion to Australia. Some commentators have called for greater transparency and independent review of the multi-billion-dollar commitment.
Strategic and Defence Implications for Australia
The revised acquisition path is designed to help close the capability gap left by the ageing Collins-class fleet while Australia develops its own nuclear submarine industry. The three Virginia-class boats will provide an interim sovereign SSN force capable of extended patrols and advanced undersea operations.
Integration with existing and planned infrastructure at HMAS Stirling and future facilities in South Australia will be critical to supporting the fleet’s maintenance and crewing needs.
Regional Reactions and International Context
Regional responses to AUKUS have varied since the pact’s inception, with some neighbours expressing interest in enhanced deterrence and others raising questions about proliferation risks and arms dynamics. The latest adjustment has been noted in defence circles as a pragmatic adaptation rather than a fundamental change in direction.
The partnership continues to emphasise conventional armaments and adherence to international non-proliferation obligations.
Future Outlook and Related Developments
Alongside the submarine revisions, AUKUS partners announced progress on Pillar 2 initiatives, including collaborative work on unmanned undersea vehicles with initial deliveries anticipated from 2027. These advanced technologies are expected to complement the manned submarine force.
The SSN-AUKUS programme, based on a UK-led design incorporating US and Australian contributions, remains central to Australia’s long-term plans, with construction expected to begin in Adelaide by the end of the decade.
Photo by Dean Bennett on Unsplash
Economic and Industrial Impacts
The streamlined approach is projected to deliver meaningful cost reductions across the acquisition phase and into sustainment. Australian industry will continue to play a growing role in supporting both the Virginia-class transfers and the eventual SSN-AUKUS build programme.
Workforce development, supply-chain maturation and regulatory frameworks for nuclear safety remain key priorities as Australia moves toward sovereign readiness in the 2030s.
