Australia to receive only used nuclear submarines from US in amended defence deal
Key takeaways
- Australia is expected to receive at least three so-called "Virginia-class" nuclear-powered submarines from the United States within 15 years.
- Issued on: 31/05/2026 - 10:00Modified: 31/05/2026 - 10:36
- By: FRANCE 24 The US Navy's USS Minnesota (SSN-783), a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, sails in waters off the coast of Western Australia on March 16, 2025.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The United States will only send used nuclear-powered submarines to Australia as part of an agreement to "streamline" the AUKUS defence deal in a move branded on Sunday as a "cost-effective" by Defence Minister Richard Marles. Australia is expected to receive at least three so-called "Virginia-class" nuclear-powered submarines from the United States within 15 years.
Issued on: 31/05/2026 - 10:00Modified: 31/05/2026 - 10:36
By: FRANCE 24 The US Navy's USS Minnesota (SSN-783), a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, sails in waters off the coast of Western Australia on March 16, 2025. © Colin Murty, AFP Australia will only receive used nuclear-powered submarines from the United States as part of an agreement to "streamline" the AUKUS deal, with the move branded on Sunday as a "cost-effective" measure by Defence Minister Richard Marles.