Flash News: US Prioritizes Delivery of Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines to Australia Under AUKUS Pact.

On February 7, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles met at the Pentagon to discuss the implementation of the AUKUS security pact and its impact on Australia’s naval strategy. The meeting reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing regional security and advancing Australia’s capability to operate nuclear-powered submarines, a critical component of the AUKUS agreement. A key focus of the discussions was Australia’s acquisition of Virginia-class submarines, a major step in modernizing its maritime defense and extending its strategic reach.
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The Virginia-class (SSN-774) is the latest generation of American-made nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, equipped with advanced cruise missile capabilities for the U.S. Navy. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Australia has committed to purchasing at least three American-made Virginia-class submarines from the United States, with deliveries expected in the early 2030s. This acquisition represents a historic shift for the Royal Australian Navy, as these nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) will be the most advanced undersea assets ever operated by Australia. Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines, Virginia-class SSNs can operate indefinitely underwater, limited only by food and maintenance requirements. Their nuclear propulsion system eliminates the need for surfacing, allowing for stealth operations, long-range patrols, and sustained deterrence in key maritime areas.

As a nation with over 36,000 kilometers of coastline, Australia’s security depends heavily on its ability to protect trade routes, strategic waterways, and its maritime approaches. The Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly contested, with China’s naval expansion, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and regional power shifts making maritime security a top priority. The Virginia-class submarines will provide Australia with greater endurance, superior stealth, and advanced strike capabilities, allowing it to monitor critical maritime corridors, conduct intelligence operations, and deter potential adversaries.

Technically, the Virginia-class submarines are among the most capable attack submarines in the world. Each vessel displaces approximately 7,800 tons when submerged, measures 115 meters in length, and can travel at speeds exceeding 25 knots underwater. They are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range precision strikes, MK-48 torpedoes for engaging surface and underwater threats, and an advanced sonar suite that provides unparalleled undersea detection capabilities. A unique feature of the Virginia class is its photonic mast, which replaces the traditional periscope with high-resolution cameras and sensors, significantly enhancing surveillance and situational awareness. The modular design of these submarines allows for future technological upgrades, ensuring they remain cutting-edge throughout their service life.

Australia’s acquisition of these submarines is also linked to major financial and industrial commitments. The country has already made a $500 million payment to the United States as part of a larger $3 billion investment in the U.S. submarine industrial base. This funding is intended to expand shipbuilding capacity in the U.S. and support timely submarine deliveries. Additionally, Australia is making significant investments in domestic shipbuilding infrastructure to prepare for the future production of the SSN-AUKUS, a next-generation nuclear-powered submarine jointly developed by Australia, the UK, and the US.

The SSN-AUKUS project, which will see the UK field its first submarines in the 2030s and Australia in the early 2040s, represents the next phase of technological collaboration under AUKUS. Based on the UK’s SSN(R) design, these submarines will incorporate advanced U.S. combat systems and nuclear propulsion technology, ensuring enhanced stealth, sensor integration, and operational effectiveness.

The AUKUS submarine deal is not just a military procurement program; it is a strategic game-changer. It strengthens Australia’s alliance with the U.S. and UK, deepens military and technological cooperation, and positions Australia as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific. However, the deal also presents challenges and criticisms. Some Pacific nations have expressed concerns about nuclear proliferation, despite Australia’s commitment that the submarines will be nuclear-powered but not nuclear-armed. Domestically, debates continue regarding the cost and complexity of maintaining a nuclear-powered fleet, as it will require specialized training, infrastructure, and regulatory adjustments.

The meeting between Secretary Hegseth and Minister Marles reaffirmed the importance of the Virginia-class submarine acquisition and the broader AUKUS defense partnership. As Australia moves forward with this historic naval power shift, it will become a formidable maritime force capable of securing its interests, protecting regional stability, and contributing to allied operations across the Indo-Pacific. The AUKUS agreement is one of the most ambitious defense initiatives in Australia’s history, signaling a long-term commitment to security, strategic resilience, and military modernization.