Fact Check: "Australia's Aukus submarines could cost up to $368 billion by 2050."
What We Know
The claim regarding the cost of Australia's AUKUS nuclear submarine program is supported by multiple credible sources. The Australian government has estimated that the total cost of the submarine program will range between $268 billion and $368 billion over the next three decades, specifically until the mid-2050s (ABC News, SBS, The Guardian). This cost includes the acquisition of at least three American-manufactured nuclear submarines and significant investments in expanding US shipbuilding capacity, estimated at around $3 billion in the first four years (The Guardian, ABC News).
The program will involve the construction of new submarines, known as the SSN-AUKUS class, with plans to produce up to eight submarines by the 2060s (SBS). The first of these submarines is expected to be operational by the early 2040s, with one being built every two years thereafter (ABC News).
Analysis
The sources reporting on this claim are generally reliable and well-regarded in the field of journalism. For instance, ABC News and SBS are established Australian news outlets known for their comprehensive coverage of national issues, including defense and foreign policy (ABC News, SBS). The Guardian, a respected international news organization, also corroborates the cost estimates and provides context regarding the geopolitical implications of the AUKUS pact (The Guardian).
The estimates provided by these sources align with statements made by Australian government officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles, who have publicly discussed the financial commitments associated with the AUKUS submarine program (ABC News, The Guardian). The consistency across multiple reputable sources enhances the credibility of the claim.
Critically, while the figures are estimates and subject to change based on various factors, such as inflation or shifts in defense policy, the range provided is officially sanctioned and reflects the government's current budgetary outlook. Therefore, the claim that "Australia's Aukus submarines could cost up to $368 billion by 2050" is substantiated by official estimates and widely reported by credible media outlets.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Australia's AUKUS submarines could cost up to $368 billion by 2050 is accurate based on the estimates provided by the Australian government and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The cost range of $268 billion to $368 billion is officially recognized and reflects the extensive financial commitments involved in this defense initiative.
Sources
- Australia's nuclear submarine program to cost up to $368b as AUKUS details unveiled in the US - ABC News
- How much does the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal cost? - SBS
- Aukus: nuclear submarines deal will cost Australia up to $368bn - The Guardian
- Australia's nuclear submarine plan to cost up to $245 ... - Reuters
- Aukus: nuclear submarines deal will cost Australia up to ... - The Guardian
