Australia’s effort to acquire nuclear‑powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom has encountered a series of setbacks, according to a report by The Diplomat. Cost escalations, technical hurdles and political scrutiny have pushed back the delivery timetable for the new fleet, leaving the Australian navy without a clear interim solution.

The Diplomat points to South Korea’s growing reputation as a builder of sophisticated diesel‑electric submarines as a possible alternative. South Korean shipyards have supplied modern conventional submarines to several regional navies and have demonstrated capabilities such as air‑independent propulsion and advanced sonar suites. These platforms, while not nuclear‑powered, are regarded as capable of operating in the Indo‑Pacific’s contested maritime environment.

Australian defence officials have reportedly begun informal discussions with Seoul to explore the feasibility of acquiring a batch of South Korean submarines as a bridge to the eventual nuclear fleet. The potential deal would aim to address short‑term operational needs, including patrols in the southern ocean and protection of sea‑lane traffic, while the longer‑term AUKUS vessels remain under development.

The Diplomat notes that a South Korean option could also mitigate some of the strategic concerns raised by the AUKUS arrangement, such as dependence on foreign technology and the political sensitivities surrounding nuclear propulsion. By sourcing conventional submarines from a non‑NATO ally, Australia might diversify its defence procurement base and reduce exposure to supply‑chain disruptions.

Nevertheless, the report cautions that any procurement would require careful alignment with Australia’s existing defence architecture, crew training programmes and maintenance infrastructure. Integration of South Korean systems into the Royal Australian Navy’s operational framework would entail a period of adaptation and investment.

In summary, The Diplomat suggests that South Korean submarine technology presents a viable, albeit interim, solution for Australia’s maritime security challenges as the AUKUS programme continues to face delays and cost pressures.

Reporting attribution: based on reporting by The Diplomat — original source: https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/south-korean-submarines-could-save-australia-from-the-aukus-shambles/.