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Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Deal Marks a New Era in Defence

A nuclear powered submarine, barely visible above the water, glides through Fremantle Harbour in Western Australia. The USS Minnesota, one of the United States Navy’s advanced Virginia class fast attack submarines, is designed for stealth and dominance in modern naval warfare. With a price tag of approximately £6.3 billion per vessel and a crew of 140, it represents the peak of underwater military capability.

On board, Commander Jeffrey Cornielle makes it clear why submarines like this are the most valuable assets in naval defence. Unlike aircraft carriers, which remain exposed on the surface, these hunter killer submarines prowl unseen, forcing adversaries to constantly second guess their movements. Cornielle explains, “We want to be undisclosed, unknown wherever we are in the world. That is the number one thing.”

The USS Minnesota has been conducting training operations off the coast of Western Australia for the past three weeks. Its visit coincides with a Chinese naval flotilla conducting a circumnavigation of the continent. Some experts speculate that a Chinese nuclear powered submarine could be travelling underwater alongside the flotilla. Cornielle, however, declines to comment on China’s naval capabilities, despite their direct impact on US and Australian defence policies.

This visit comes at a time when the AUKUS submarine pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom faces renewed scrutiny. The agreement, expected to cost Australia up to £290 billion by the time the submarines are fully operational in the 2040s, is the largest defence investment in the country’s history. However, growing concerns about US commitment to its allies, especially after previous tensions under Donald Trump’s leadership, have led some to question whether the agreement will hold.

Former Defence Force chief Admiral Chris Barrie recently urged the Australian government to develop a contingency plan in case the deal falls apart. However, for now, preparations for the AUKUS programme continue at full speed. From 2027, up to four US nuclear powered submarines will be based in Perth as part of the Submarine Rotational Force West. By the early 2030s, Australia is set to acquire three Virginia class submarines from the US, replacing its ageing fleet of diesel powered Collins class submarines.

Captain Neil Steinhagen, who oversees a fleet of five nuclear powered submarines stationed at the US naval base in Guam, admits he was initially sceptical about AUKUS. His concerns centred around the idea that Australia would divert crucial US resources, including parts, personnel, and training capacity. The US Navy is already struggling to meet its own submarine production targets. However, Steinhagen now sees the agreement as a strategic move that will strengthen security across the Indo Pacific.

In practical terms, Australia is not just buying advanced submarines but adopting an entirely new military capability. The Virginia class boats are significantly faster than Australia’s existing submarines and can stay submerged for months at a time. The only limiting factor is the need to restock food. Some crew members on the USS Minnesota revealed they have gone as long as 102 days without surfacing.

The submarine’s control room is packed with radar and sonar operators monitoring their surroundings with cutting edge technology. Cornielle explains that the systems in use are as sophisticated as those on the International Space Station. The Virginia class was the first submarine in the world to replace traditional periscopes with photonic sensors, operated with a modified Xbox controller, allowing sailors to see above the surface without exposing the vessel.

On board, the connection between the submarine’s crew and its namesake state of Minnesota is evident. The vessel is decorated with Minnesota Vikings memorabilia, Scandinavian inspired artwork, and a galley known as the Valhalla Cafe, where the crew enjoys themed meals including tacos on Tuesdays and pizzas on Saturdays. Despite the camaraderie, the submarine’s combat duties remain highly classified. A signed letter from the head of the US Navy, displayed inside the vessel, thanks the crew for completing a mission described only as vital to American national security.

As the USS Minnesota vanishes beneath the waves, it serves as a reminder of the new strategic role Australia is stepping into. This is not just about acquiring high tech military equipment. It is about transforming Australia’s naval capabilities and proving itself as a trusted partner in nuclear submarine operations. Steinhagen puts it simply: “We have to get this right.”

Key Details of the AUKUS Submarine Deal