Australia’s nuclear sub fleet to be built on used US boats under revised AUKUS plan

June 1, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Australia is set to receive used nuclear-powered submarines from the United States under a revised AUKUS agreement, replacing an earlier plan that envisaged a mix of new-build and in-service boats as Canberra works toward establishing its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.

Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed that the AUKUS submarine program remains on track, while unveiling a significant change to Canberra’s planned acquisition of Virginia-class submarines.

Meeting in Singapore, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and UK Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that Australia will pursue the acquisition of three in-service Virginia-class submarines rather than the previously envisaged mix of new-build and operational vessels.

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Vessels

According to the joint statement, the revised approach is intended to streamline supply-chain management, simplify operational and maintenance requirements and maximize cost efficiencies.

The announcement marks one of the most notable adjustments to the AUKUS Pillar I submarine pathway since it was unveiled in 2023. Under the original framework, Australia was expected to acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines from the United States in the early 2030s, with the possibility of additional boats depending on production capacity and operational requirements.

The three nations also confirmed that preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) remain on schedule ahead of its planned establishment in 2027 at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.

The United States recently authorized the creation of US Navy support elements for SRF-West and will begin rotating personnel to Australia later this year. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a rotational submarine presence, highlighting the successful maintenance period conducted by HMS Anson in Australia earlier this year.

Australian investments supporting the submarine enterprise continue to expand. Canberra plans to invest up to AU$8 billion in infrastructure and logistics support at HMAS Stirling, while also providing AU$3.9 billion for the construction of a new submarine shipyard in South Australia and AU$12 billion for the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia.

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Authorities

The three governments also reported continued progress on the future SSN-AUKUS submarine design, which is intended to become the next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine for both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. The UK highlighted its £6 billion commitment announced in 2025 as part of the program’s ongoing development.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Secretaries confirmed their support for expanding the breadth of the AUKUS licence-free environment between AUKUS partners by taking expeditious and practical steps to narrow the list of excluded technologies.