World · Indonesia Bureau
Australia on track to receive nuclear submarines by early 2030s
Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles has confirmed that the country remains on schedule to receive its first nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security partnership, with deliveries expected in the early 2030s.
LSN Indonesia ·
Australia is progressing as planned toward acquiring nuclear-powered submarines as part of the trilateral AUKUS defence alliance with the United States and United Kingdom, Defence Minister Richard Marles stated. The ambitious timeline targets initial submarine deliveries in the early 2030s, marking a significant expansion of Australia's maritime capabilities. The procurement initiative has been identified as a cornerstone of Australia's strategic defence posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Marles' comments underscore the government's commitment to advancing the complex acquisition programme despite technical and logistical challenges inherent in such a major defence undertaking. The move represents a substantial investment in military modernization and reflects growing concerns about regional security dynamics in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.
Photo: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles (centre right) arrives at the NATO Summit in The Hague, June 2025. Floris de Bijl via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).