AUKUS Submarine Deal Raises Concerns Over Australian Control

As Washington debates whether it can spare the submarines, Canberra continues to pay for vessels it may never fully control.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The $368 billion AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States has raised concerns over whether Australia will have full control and sovereignty over the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines it is set to acquire. Reports from the Congressional Research Service outline issues for U.S. lawmakers, including the potential benefits, costs, and risks of procuring additional Virginia-class submarines that would be retained in U.S. Navy service and operated out of Australia.

Why it matters

The AUKUS deal has raised questions about Australia's strategic autonomy and whether it is becoming too reliant on the United States for its defense. As Washington demands unprecedented military spending from its allies, Australia faces a stark choice between strategic loyalty and the preservation of its social and economic foundations.

The details

Under the AUKUS pact, Australia is set to acquire Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. as part of Pillar 1 of the agreement. However, there are concerns that Australia may not have full control and sovereignty over these vessels, as the U.S. Congress will be the final arbiter on whether any Virginia-class submarines are transferred to Australian hands. The Congressional Research Service report outlines issues for U.S. lawmakers, including the potential benefits, costs, and risks of procuring additional Virginia-class submarines that would be retained in U.S. Navy service and operated out of Australia.

  • The latest Congressional Research Service report was published on January 26, 2026.
  • The review of AUKUS conducted by U.S. President Trump's Undersecretary of Defence Policy, Elbridge Colby, was sent to the Australians in December 2025.

The players

AUKUS

A security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

U.S. Congress

The final arbiter on whether any Virginia-class submarines are transferred to Australian hands under the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).

Elbridge Colby

U.S. President Trump's Undersecretary of Defence Policy, who conducted a review of the AUKUS pact.

Richard Marles

Australian Defence Minister, who has been accused of denying the true implications of the AUKUS deal.

Miranda Booth

A defence expert writing for the Lowy Institute Interpreter, who has suggested ways for Australia to sell the broader capitulation to U.S. power.

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What they’re saying

“Such duplicity would magically dispel the appearance that Australia was merely a servile and willing client to U.S. power.”

— Miranda Booth, defence expert, Lowy Institute Interpreter (Lowy Institute Interpreter)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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