Bob Carr says AUKUS submarine promise is a lie

The Guardian reported that former Labor foreign affairs minister Bob Carr claims officials in Canberra and Washington admit the United States will never build and sell nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS pact. Carr described the $368 billion agreement as the two countries “living a lie”. He said the expectation now is that American‑operated vessels will be stationed at Australian bases instead of being transferred. Carr added that a future US president is likely to decide that China’s military strength would make it too difficult for three or more Virginia‑class nuclear submarines to be handed over to Australia.

Carr, a long‑time critic of the deal, suggested the submarine component has been reduced to a diplomatic joke, implying that the original promises of Australian‑operated nuclear submarines are no longer realistic.

Why it matters

If the submarine transfers do not occur, Australia’s defence strategy under AUKUS could be significantly altered, affecting regional security dynamics.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

13 Nov 2026, 07:30 IST

Key names

Australia, Bob Carr, Former Labor, Canberra

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianAukus deal is ‘living a lie’: Australia will never get nuclear submarines from US and both sides know it, Bob Carr says 13 Nov, 07:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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