According to a 2025 report by the Australian National Audit Office, the cost of the AUKUS nuclear submarine program has escalated significantly, with estimates now exceeding AUD 368 billion over 30 years. This has led to concerns that the program is consuming a disproportionate share of Australia's defence budget, potentially crowding out other critical capabilities.
In the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defence's 2025 annual report indicated that the Dreadnought-class submarine program, which includes nuclear-armed submarines, is facing cost overruns of up to £3 billion, pushing total costs to over £41 billion. The UK's National Audit Office has warned that these rising costs are putting pressure on other defence priorities.
Similarly, the United States' Columbia-class submarine program, the Navy's top priority, is projected to cost over USD 132 billion for 12 submarines, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Delays and cost growth have been reported, with the Government Accountability Office highlighting risks to the overall shipbuilding plan.
Defence analysts argue that the high cost of nuclear submarines, driven by complex technology and long construction timelines, is forcing difficult trade-offs in national budgets. Some experts suggest that nations may need to reconsider their naval strategies or seek international cost-sharing arrangements to maintain a balanced defence posture.
