Australia will receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines under a revised AUKUS plan, with officials saying the change is meant to improve cost efficiency and reduce maintenance complexity.
Australia will receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines under a revised AUKUS plan, replacing an earlier outline that included a mix of used and new boats.
The change was outlined in a joint statement from AUKUS defence ministers on May 30, 2026, which said the partners welcomed a proposed approach to streamline Australia’s acquisition of Virginia-class submarines.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia will now get only second-hand Virginia-class submarines. Officials said the revised approach is designed to simplify supply chain, operational and maintenance requirements and improve cost efficiency.
The announcement marks a shift in the submarine pathway first set out in 2021, when Australia was expected to receive a mix of used and new Virginia-class submarines before the longer-term SSN-AUKUS program.
The move still leaves open several questions, including which specific submarines will be transferred, when the handover will occur and whether the revised plan changes the timing of SSN-AUKUS delivery. US congressional approval of the final transfer arrangements is also still to be resolved.
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