Australia is set to receive at least three US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines under a revised, “streamlined” AUKUS arrangement announced by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Sources report the change shifts Australia’s planned purchases away from a mix that included new submarines, and instead focuses on acquiring three second-hand submarines already in US service. Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles says the adjustment is meant to simplify future submarine operations and is consistent with what the government wanted, with Defence Minister-level comments describing the approach as cost-effective. ABC Australia reports that talks on the revised plan have been underway for about 18 months, and that analysts have expressed differing views: some critique the decision to rely on used platforms during a stopgap phase, while others see it as an improvement or clarification of the schedule and acquisition approach. Multiple outlets add that Australia could still seek additional submarines if needed, with Marles indicating a possible total of five under certain circumstances. The overall reporting aligns that the key change is the number and type of submarines—three used Virginia-class boats—delivered within roughly 15 years.