Scott Morrison backs an updated AUKUS approach, urging Australia not to “surrender” to doubt about the submarine pathway. Multiple outlets report that senior defence and naval leaders, along with senior ministers and the head of Defence, say Australia’s stated preference has been to acquire second-hand submarines from the United States as part of the program. The reporting indicates that the Defence Department and navy chiefs reiterate this longstanding position while responding to questions about the plan’s direction and timelines. While details are presented as ongoing in the outlets’ coverage, the consistent theme across sources is that the updated AUKUS plan aligns with Australia’s earlier inclination toward using US-supplied vessels initially rather than starting from scratch. The coverage frames Morrison’s comments as encouragement for continued support for the program, emphasizing that key officials see the second-hand option as the practical route Australia has preferred. The articles present the stance as coming from both political leadership and operational defence figures rather than a single ministry view.