Australia may only build three of eight Aukus nuclear-powered submarines locally

Despite widespread reports that all eight submarines would be built in Australia under $368bn deal, up to five SSNs will be US Virginia class

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The defence department has confirmed that, rather than building eight of the new Aukus submarines, Australia plans to acquire a total of eight nuclear powered submarines (SSNs) under the $368bn deal.

At least three and up to five of that eight will be Virginia-class submarines it will buy from the United States.

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