Australia to receive at least three US Virginia‑class nuclear submarines under streamlined Aukus deal

As part of the 2021 AUKUS defence partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom, Australia confirmed a revised procurement plan that will see it acquire a minimum of three Virginia‑class nuclear‑powered submarines from the United States within the next 15 years. The new approach simplifies the supply‑chain, operational and maintenance requirements, allowing Australia to obtain three service‑ready submarines instead of a mix of new‑build and refurbished units. The programme, described as essential to Australia’s defence strategy, could cost up to $235 billion over 30 years. The United States currently operates 24 Virginia‑class boats, but shipyards are struggling to meet a target of two new submarines per year, prompting the streamlined arrangement.

The three submarines will be transferred under the AUKUS agreement, which also includes the United Kingdom, reinforcing the trilateral security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific region.