Defence secretary reveals AUKUS preference for secondhand submarines

Australian defence officials have confirmed that the government’s longstanding preference under the AUKUS security pact was to acquire three secondhand nuclear-powered submarines, rather than the originally agreed mix of new and older vessels. Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn provided this clarification during Senate estimates on Tuesday night, revealing that the shift in procurement strategy was a collaborative effort developed with the United States over many decades.

The testimony came as Quinn faced intense questioning regarding the announcement that Australia would purchase three used Virginia-class submarines from the US. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson challenged the Albanese government on why it had accepted the original arrangement if it was not the preferred option, suggesting that the initial deal may have been imposed on Canberra.

When pressed on which party first proposed the alternative plan, Quinn stated that Australia’s position had always been to prefer three in-service submarines. Paterson expressed surprise at the revelation, asking if the US had forced the government to accept a new submarine build despite the preference for used vessels.

Quinn defended the original agreement, describing the current approach as a joint exercise with an alliance partner to deliver a capability of significant importance to Australia’s national defence. She argued that opting for in-service vessels offered practical advantages, including lower costs, simpler staff training, and more straightforward maintenance and sustainment arrangements.

The exchange highlights the ongoing political scrutiny surrounding the AUKUS deal, with the Coalition seeking to understand the rationale behind the initial contract structures. Quinn’s defence of the process underscores the government’s focus on operational efficiency and fiscal prudence in securing its undersea defence capabilities.