Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have agreed to revise the AUKUS submarine pact, paving the way for Canberra to acquire only existing Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines rather than a mix of new and used vessels.
The announcement came on Saturday during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, where senior defence officials from around 45 countries gathered for talks on regional security challenges.
Under the 2021 AUKUS agreement, Australia is set to receive at least three US-built Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines over the next 15 years. However, a joint statement by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed changes to the acquisition plan.
The revised approach will “streamline” Australia’s submarine purchase by simplifying supply chains, maintenance requirements and operational planning while improving cost efficiency, the statement said.
The change means Australia will acquire three in-service Virginia-class submarines instead of the previously planned combination of new and existing vessels.
The adjustment comes as the US Navy faces mounting pressure on submarine production. Although it operates 24 Virginia-class submarines, American shipyards have struggled to meet the target of building two new boats annually.
The AUKUS agreement has also faced criticism in Washington, where some lawmakers and defence analysts argue the US should prioritize replenishing its own fleet before transferring advanced nuclear-powered submarines to allies.
Australia had originally expected to receive two used Virginia-class submarines and one newly built vessel under the agreement.
The submarine program remains the centrepiece of Australia’s long-term defence strategy and is projected to cost as much as $235 billion over three decades, according to government estimates.
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