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Australia’s fears over US submarine supply cut unwarranted as Aukus has options to boost deterrence
- Among the options are the co-production of submarines in Australia and the life extension of its Collins-class submarines, analysts say
- Beyond the submarine issue, Australia, the US and other allies can partner in various areas to boost their capabilities to deter China
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Concerns over the delivery of nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia following a US budget cut are unwarranted as the three-nation Aukus alliance has options to build its naval deterrence in the Pacific.
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There is no reason why Washington would not stand by one of its most important allies in the region, with a shipyard in New South Wales where Australia and the US could co-produce the submarines being one such option, security analysts say.
The US announced last week it would halve the number of submarines to be built next year, throwing its commitment towards Australia in their supply agreement into doubt.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Aukus partners are still working to help Australia acquire the submarines. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, however, said Canberra had been “mugged by reality” over Washington’s wavering position.
Conceived in September 2021 primarily to counter China’s growing presence in the region, Aukus – made up of Australia, the United Kingdom and the US – aims to boost its joint defence capabilities ranging from naval defence and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, with the delivery of nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia identified as the primary objective.
Under their agreement, the US has pledged to supply at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the 2030s. The vessels are a stopgap before nuclear-powered submarines to be built in Adelaide enter into service in the 2040s.
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