Overview
- Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead will leave the Australian Submarine Agency in mid-2026 after five years leading the program’s build-out.
- Washington is reviewing AUKUS under President Donald Trump even as he has signaled support, and the U.S. Navy is seeking to clarify ambiguities in the pact.
- Australia says it has met milestones toward hosting Submarine Rotational Force–West at HMAS Stirling from late 2027, with billions committed to upgrades in Western Australia.
- The plan foresees purchasing Virginia-class submarines from 2032 before shifting to domestically built SSN AUKUS boats in South Australia.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles backed allied cooperation after learning of new U.S.–South Korea submarine collaboration from social media, while experts warn Australia lacks a credible contingency if delays occur.