New AUKUS Submarine Deal: Have we been sold a dud?

New AUKUS Submarine Deal: Have we been sold a dud?

From Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald by ABC Australia

June 5, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the downgraded AUKUS submarine deal and its implications with experts.

In the 'deal of the century', Australia was supposed to acquire a brand new, top of the range nuclear submarine. In the navy, they are known as the APEX predators of the sea, the 'optimal' defence machine. But this week the AUKUS submarine deal was downgraded or ‘streamlined’. Now, instead of receiving a brand new, top of the range nuclear submarine, we are getting three second-hand Virginia class submarines. But will these submarines be fit for purpose in a decade? In this episode, Geraldine and Hamish talk to two of Australia’s most prominent submarine experts to find out more about the Virginia class submarines and whether we've been sold a dud deal. Guests: Retired Rear Admiral Peter Briggs AO and Jennifer Parker , Principal and Founder of Barrier Strategic Advisory Producers: Kylie Grey and Cheyne Anderson

People in this episode

Hosts: Geraldine Doogue, Hamish Macdonald

Guests: Retired Rear Admiral Peter Briggs AO, Jennifer Parker

Topics covered

  • AUKUS submarine deal
  • defense
  • naval strategy
  • submarine technology
  • military procurement

Keywords

  • AUKUS
  • submarine deal
  • Virginia class
  • defense strategy
  • military technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Barrier Strategic Advisory, AUKUS

Products: Virginia class submarines

Places: Australia

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