US congress has been handed an alternative AUKUS plan which would see the United States not selling nuclear-powered submarines to Canberra and instead build up to eight new Virginia-class nuclear subs that could be owned by the US Navy service, but operated out of Australia. 

Defence experts are split as to whether the proposal is in Australia’s best interests, with some arguing it would free up additional cash to be spent on other military capabilities like drones. 

While others believe the plan would see Australia sacrificing its sovereignty and control over its submarine fleet.

Luke Grant chats with the Founder and Director of Strategic Analysis Australia, Michael Shoebridge, to find out if the plan is in Australia’s best interest, or if the Americans are selling us short. 

Download this podcast here