Australia needs hundreds more submarine crew, retired admiral warns
A retired admiral says recruitment and training pose major challenges for Australia's planned nuclear submarine fleet under the Aukus agreement.
At a glance
- Retired admiral Peter Briggs warned Australia must recruit hundreds more naval personnel for the submarine programme
- The USS Colorado arrived in Perth for a month of maintenance and to support Australian expertise development
- The Aukus agreement is valued at $368 billion and involves plans for a nuclear-powered submarine fleet
- Recruitment and training are described as major challenges facing the programme
Australia faces significant challenges in recruiting and training enough naval personnel to crew submarines planned under the Aukus defence agreement, according to a retired admiral. Peter Briggs said recruitment is one of several major issues affecting the programme, as a US Virginia-class submarine arrived in Perth for maintenance and to support Australian training efforts.
The Aukus agreement, valued at $368 billion, involves plans to develop a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The USS Colorado docked at HMAS Stirling south of Perth for routine maintenance and to help build local expertise.
Why it matters
The Aukus submarine programme is a major defence initiative for Australia, but personnel shortages could affect its implementation timeline and capability.
Original reporting
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