Navy needs 3,000 trained submariners for Aukus nuclear fleet, admiral warns
Retired admiral Peter Briggs warns Australia must triple its submarine workforce to crew new nuclear-powered vessels.
Australia's Aukus nuclear submarine program faces a big problem: not enough trained crews. Only 230 people are now in training for the new Virginia-class boats.
Virginia-class boats need crews of up to 134 sailors each. By 2030, the Navy expects 400 trained people.
Retired admiral Peter Briggs says Australia needs 3,000 trained submariners. Today it has about 850 qualified for the current Collins-class vessels.
That's only a quarter of what's needed. Operating two different submarine types will add more problems.
Training, supplies and spare parts will become much more complex. Recruiting is harder because many different jobs are needed.
These include sonar operators and electricians. The USS Colorado, a Virginia-class submarine, arrived in Perth this week.
It came for routine maintenance and to help build Australian expertise.
- $368 billion
- Program cost
- 230 current, 400 by 2030
- Personnel in training
- 3,000 trained submariners
- Needed by admiral
- up to 134 sailors
- Virginia-class crew size
Why it mattersWithout enough trained personnel, Australia's $368 billion Aukus investment cannot be fully crewed or operated.
AustraliaAustralia faces a critical workforce gap to operate its planned nuclear submarine fleet and maintain maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
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