Malcolm Turnbull says faith in Aukus nuclear submarines deal is 'stark staring bonkers' – video
Guardian AU
•Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:04:24 GMT
📰 What Happened
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull told a public inquiry that faith in the Aukus nuclear submarines deal with the US and UK is 'stark staring bonkers', predicting Australia may get no submarines at all. He argued the US's submarine-building capacity remains laggardly and that US law bars selling submarines to Australia if it would degrade its own fleet. He noted the US needs to nearly double production from 1.2 to 2.3 submarines a year.
🔍 The Backstory
Aukus, the trilateral security pact formed in 2021, commits Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines partly built with US and UK technology. The deal has faced criticism over cost, timelines and dependence on US production capacity. Turnbull has long questioned the pact's feasibility, and repeated delays and what critics call a switch to secondhand submarines have intensified the debate.
🎯 Why It Matters
The Aukus submarine program is one of Australia's largest and most consequential defence commitments, involving tens of billions of dollars over decades. Questioning its viability from a former PM raises doubts about national security strategy and public spending priorities. The outcome will shape Australia's long-term naval capability and its alliance posture in the Indo-Pacific.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull told a public inquiry that faith in the Aukus nuclear submarines deal with the US and UK is 'stark staring bonkers', predicting Australia may get no submarines at all. He argued the US's submarine-building capacity remains laggardly and that US law bars selling submarines to Australia if it would degrade its own fleet. He noted the US needs to nearly double production from 1.2 to 2.3 submarines a year.
Aukus, the trilateral security pact formed in 2021, commits Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines partly built with US and UK technology. The deal has faced criticism over cost, timelines and dependence on US production capacity. Turnbull has long questioned the pact's feasibility, and repeated delays and what critics call a switch to secondhand submarines have intensified the debate.
The Aukus submarine program is one of Australia's largest and most consequential defence commitments, involving tens of billions of dollars over decades. Questioning its viability from a former PM raises doubts about national security strategy and public spending priorities. The outcome will shape Australia's long-term naval capability and its alliance posture in the Indo-Pacific.