Australia to buy three used nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS deal

Australia will buy three used nuclear-powered submarines through the trilateral military agreement with the UK and the United States (AUKUS), Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Sunday. Under the initial 2021 agreement, Australia was expected to receive at least two used and one new Virginia-class submarine, according to public broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation. However, Marles told reporters that the revised deal now sees Australia purchasing only used Virginia-class submarines from the US. A joint US-UK-Australia statement described the change as a simplification of supply chain management, operational requirements, and maintenance, while maximising cost efficiency. The AUKUS project – involving Australia, the UK, and the US – is deemed crucial for enhancing defence capabilities. For the project, London has pledged £4 billion (Rp95.95 trillion), Washington $17.5 billion (Rp311.91 trillion), and Canberra over A$30 billion (Rp384.14 trillion).