AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US, was initially hailed as a game-changer for Australia’s national defence.
The deal, announced in 2021, promised a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, along with cutting-edge military technology.
It was intended to strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities in response to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
But with a hefty $386 billion price tag, delays, and shifting priorities from the US, is it still worth it?
On Wednesday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we chat with Nine’s Chief Political Editor, Charles Croucher, to discuss whether Australia should reconsider its biggest-ever defence investment.
Croucher explained that the deal is crucial for Australia as it offers advanced nuclear-powered submarines, which are more difficult to detect and capable of staying submerged for extended periods.
“What it really does is it gives us the capabilities to have nuclear powered submarines. These are the phrases that all the defence types use are apex predators,” Croucher said.
“We are an island nation with a whole lot surrounding us and it’s clear at the moment we’re not capable of defending that on our own. That’s never been Australia’s strategy. You need partners, you need friends,” he said.
However, the $368 billion price tag has raised significant concerns.
Years after the agreement was signed, Australia still faces uncertainty over whether it will receive the submarines on time, or even at all.
Croucher emphasised that the most effective defence spending is the kind that never has to be used.
“The full $368 billion price tag that was named for August isn’t all coming now. That is done out over a series of decades. So it’s not like we’re taking money directly now and spending it off.”
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