Observation
In the fourth year of AUKUS — the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — the three governments are proceeding with a plan for Australia to acquire at least three conventionally-armed Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) from the early 2030s. The plan also includes the design and construction of a new SSN–AUKUS class of submarines for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy from the early 2040s.
Since its inception, public debate about this deal has continued, including on its strategic merits, its effect on Australia’s sovereignty, the likelihood of future US political commitment, Australia’s ability to build the requisite industrial and workforce capacity, and the high costs involved. Proponents argue the submarines would improve Australia’s ability to defend itself and contribute to deterring conflict in the region.
Majority public support for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines has held firm. In 2025, two-thirds of Australians (67%) remain either ‘somewhat’ or ‘strongly’ in favour, roughly steady compared to 2022 (70%), shortly after AUKUS was announced. One-third of Australians (32%) are ‘somewhat against’ or ‘strongly against’ acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
While the submarine deal continues to enjoy bipartisan political support in Australia, more Australians who lean towards the Liberal–National Coalition (84%) than those who lean towards the Labor Party (63%) are in favour of it — a 21-point gap.
Residents of Western Australia, which hosts one of the naval bases for these submarines, are most supportive of the deal (72%), though support in Queensland (70%) is on par with this. There is much lower majority support for it in Victoria (60%).