How one optimal AUKUS submarine pathway became two
Australia's AUKUS submarine plan has shifted from acquiring two in-service submarines and one new submarine to now purchasing three used Virginia-class submarines. This change has sparked debate among analysts regarding its implications for Australia's defense strategy. The government is facing scrutiny over its communication and the complexities of the evolving submarine acquisition plan.
- ▪Australia will now acquire three second-hand Virginia nuclear-powered submarines from the US.
- ▪The previous plan involved purchasing two used submarines in 2032 and 2035, and a new one in 2038.
- ▪Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn stated that it is possible to have two constrained optimal pathways, leading to criticism from Senator David Shoebridge.
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analysisCan one optimal pathway have two lanes? When it comes to AUKUS submarines, apparently yesBy acting defence and national security correspondent Tom LowreyTopic:Defence IndustryWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:28pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:28pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 5:28pmAustralia will now get three in-service submarines from the United States. (Supplied: Royal Australian Navy, ABIS Jayden Fahy)abc.net.au/news/two-optimal-pathways-aukus-submarines/106755658Link copiedShareShare articleFor an arm of the government tasked with a fairly straightforward mission — that is, fighting — Defence is famous for wrapping itself in impenetrable language.Ships and planes are "platforms", weapons are "capabilities", soldiers are "personnel" and Australia's road to running a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines is a…
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