Asked why Australia would now only receive second-hand equipment, Mr Marles, who is also deputy prime minister, told reporters on Sunday that this option would be more cost-effective.
What are submarines for?
“In the context of a very complex project, we must give primary importance to simplicity,” said Mr. Marles, adding that the submarines would also all be of the same model.
“I cannot overestimate the importance of this element, both for the submariners who operate them and for the people who work to maintain them,” he added.
“It’s clearly cost-effective. And to be clear, it’s a very expensive program … so we’re trying to find all the most cost-effective options possible along this journey.”
In a joint statement released on Saturday, Mr Marles, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his British counterpart John Healey confirmed the adjustment to the submarine deal.
“The Deputy Prime Minister and Secretaries welcomed the proposed approach to streamlining Australia’s acquisition of Virginia-class submarines (VCS), by simplifying supply chain management and operational and maintenance requirements, and optimizing costs,” the statement said.
South Korea estimates it could deploy its first nuclear submarine by 2035
“This approach would allow Australia to acquire three in-service AFVs instead of a mix of new and in-service AFVs.”
The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, but US shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new submarines per year.
In the United States, voices have been raised asking why Washington would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without first rebuilding its own military forces.
The Aukus submarine program is at the heart of Australia’s defense strategy and could cost up to US$235 billion over 30 years, according to government forecasts.
