Australia urged to consider Japanese submarine lease as AUKUS backup
Updated
Updated · Sydney Morning Herald · May 3
Australia urged to consider Japanese submarine lease as AUKUS backup
11 articles · Updated · Sydney Morning Herald · May 3
Former defence official Richard Gray said Canberra should raise the idea with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her visit for talks with Anthony Albanese.
Gray warned delays to Collins-class life extension, US Virginia-class purchases and the UK-led AUKUS boat could leave Australia without a sovereign submarine capability.
He said Japan’s 24-strong conventional fleet and active production lines could bridge a decade-long gap, as wider Australia-Japan talks also cover energy security, critical minerals and China.
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The $368 Billion AUKUS Submarine Gamble: Industrial Bottlenecks, Strategic Risks, and Japan’s Defense Partnership
Overview
In April 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Australia marked a milestone in defense cooperation, enabled by Japan's 2023 policy shift lifting its ban on lethal weapons exports. This led to a $6.5 billion deal for Japan to supply advanced Mogami-class frigates, boosting Japan's shipbuilding sector and industrial base. Meanwhile, Australia faces significant risks in its AUKUS nuclear submarine program due to aging Collins-class subs and strained U.S. Virginia-class production, creating a capability gap through the 2030s and 2040s. Japan proposed leasing its advanced Taigei-class submarines as a stopgap, but Australia rejected this to maintain alliance cohesion with the U.S. and U.K. Despite this, Japan remains a key security partner, deepening ties through industrial collaboration and advanced technology partnerships.