US will send only used nuclear submarines to Australia under amended AUKUS defence deal
Summary
The United States will provide only used nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under a revised AUKUS defense agreement. Australia is expected to receive at least three used Virginia-class submarines from the US Navy within 15 years to reduce costs and simplify the program.Key Facts
- Australia will get only used Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the US, instead of a mix of new and used.
- The change was made to "streamline" the AUKUS deal and be more cost-effective.
- The US, Australia, and the UK announced the update at the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting.
- The submarines will be the same model, which helps simplify operations and maintenance.
- Australia expects at least three submarines within 15 years.
- The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class submarines but builds only about two new ones per year.
- The AUKUS submarine program could cost up to US$235 billion over 30 years.
- Some critics in the US question why submarines are sold abroad before the US Navy's own needs are fully met.
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