Australia’s future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, developed under the AUKUS agreement, will significantly boost our ability to deter threats to vital maritime trade routes. By making hostile naval task forces more vulnerable, these submarines will form a powerful line of defense.
However, a coherent and robust maritime strategy requires far more than submarines alone. Key priorities must include:
• Expanding the surface combatant fleet
• Addressing vulnerabilities in resupply, mine warfare, and hydrographic vessels
• Resolving longstanding issues surrounding Australia’s strategic fleet commercial ships that could be mobilized in times of crisis
Australia must also rebuild its flagged merchant fleet by reforming the Australian International Shipping Register and establish a dedicated national coastguard to enhance domestic maritime security.

AUKUS: A Controversial Yet Crucial Step
While AUKUS has drawn criticism especially in light of the Trump administration's recent pivot from traditional alliances the three-phase submarine plan remains firmly on track. Like any major defence acquisition, AUKUS comes with risks: sustained political commitment, delivery schedules, workforce challenges, and rising costs. But these risks are being actively managed.
The key question isn’t whether risks exist, they always do in complex defence projects but whether they’re being effectively addressed. So far, the answer appears to be yes.
Political Backing Remains Strong
Despite political turbulence in the U.S., particularly on issues like Ukraine, foreign aid, and tariffs, support for AUKUS in Washington has remained steady. That’s because the agreement serves U.S. strategic interests just as much as Australia’s.

Political commitment across all three partner nations, Australia, the U.S., and the UK, has been consistent. The "optimal pathway" guiding the deal through the 2030s was finalized just 18 months after AUKUS was launched in September 2021, and a binding treaty to allow nuclear submarine technology transfer has now been enacted.
In Australia, bipartisan support has held strong for over three years.

Australia’s Value to the U.S.
Concerns about the capacity of the U.S. industrial base to supply submarines are valid, the U.S. must boost production to meet its own targets. However, Australia’s early 2030s purchase of three Virginia-class submarines is still feasible.

More importantly, Australia is not just a buyer, it’s a strategic enabler. Our role as a rotational hub for U.S. submarines and the critical support offered by facilities like the Harold E. Holt submarine communications station make us an indispensable regional partner.
Of course, future changes in global politics could alter the landscape. But for now, the alliance remains strong and beneficial to all parties involved.

Securing Australia’s Interests
Defending Australia isn’t just about protecting our shores. It’s about safeguarding our global trade routes, critical infrastructure, and national interests.
AUKUS represents a long-term shift in Australia's defence outlook, one centered on maritime power projection. By extending our reach and strengthening our undersea capabilities, we’re setting the foundation for a future where threats can be managed before they reach our doorstep.