AUKUS Agreement Streamlined: Australia to Buy In-Service US Submarines Instead of New Builds

Central News Agency, Singapore, 31st. Australia and the US announced on the 30th that they will "streamline" the details of purchasing nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. Future submarines acquired by Australia will no longer include newly built vessels. The announcement was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a defense summit gathering senior officials from about 45 countries. Under the 2021 AUKUS agreement, Australia was expected to purchase at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US within 15 years. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey confirmed in a joint statement that the submarine agreement would be adjusted. The statement noted: "The Deputy Prime Minister and the two defense chiefs welcome the proposal to simplify the Virginia-class submarine procurement plan, which will simplify supply chain management, operational and maintenance requirements, and maximize cost-effectiveness." "This measure will allow Australia to acquire three in-service Virginia-class submarines, replacing the original plan of a mix of new and in-service vessels." The US Navy currently has 24 Virginia-class submarines, but US shipyards are struggling to meet the production target of two new vessels per year. The AUKUS submarine program is the core of Australia's defense strategy. The Canberra government estimates that total spending over the next 30 years could reach $235 billion.