Congressional report examines withholding Aukus submarines from Australia

A US Congressional Research Service report considers an option under which no Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines would be sold to Australia under the Aukus agreement. Instead, the report posits retaining those boats in US Navy service and operating them out of Australian bases to preserve US command options in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.

The analysis cites Australian officials saying Australia would make no promises to support the United States in a war over Taiwan and raises cybersecurity concerns about sharing submarine technology. It also notes Australia’s non-nuclear weapons commitments could limit force-projection options and highlights US shipbuilding shortfalls and a statutory requirement that the president certify any transfer will not degrade US undersea capabilities.

aukus agreement, virginia-class submarines, congressional research service, australia, us navy, taiwan, china, cybersecurity concerns, non-nuclear weapons commitments, shipbuilding shortfalls