Australia’s submarine preference for used US vessels emerged in Aukus deal overhaul: Defence secretary’s Senate testimony]

Australia’s submarine preference for used US vessels emerged in Aukus deal overhaul: Defence secretary’s Senate testimony]

And Jervis-Bardy

Australia consistently favoured receiving secondhand nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement, defence officials confirmed, intensifying Coalition scrutiny over whether the original arrangement was “imposed” on the Albanese government.

Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn faced questioning during Senate estimates on Tuesday regarding the announcement that Australia will acquire three used Virginia-class submarines from the US, rather than a mix of new and existing vessels.

Under interrogation from shadow defence minister James Paterson, Quinn characterised the revised plan as a “joint idea” between Australia and the United States.

When pressed on which party initially proposed the alternative structure, Quinn stated:

double quotation markAustralia’s position is that we would have always … had a preference for three in-service (submarines).

A surprised Paterson then questioned why the Albanese government had accepted the initial deal if this preference was known.

double quotation markThey imposed a new submarine on us and said you must take a new submarine even if you want three in-service?

Quinn responded:

double quotation markThis is a joint exercise over many decades, working collaboratively with an alliance partner to deliver a capability which is significant and is very important for Australia’s national defence. So there are many reasons why three in-service (submarines) would be simpler, lower-cost through the training of staff, the sustainment arrangements, the maintenance requirements, and all of those considerations.

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