Australia joins war games simulating a regional conflict with China and the use of nuclear-powered submarines
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 20 October that the Australian Defence Force is taking part in war games this week. The exercises simulate a regional conflict with China, the Herald reported. The scenario examines how US submarines would be used, as well as the submarines Australia is due to acquire under AUKUS. The report appeared under the headline Australia war-gaming use of nuclear-powered subs in conflict with China. The Age and WAtoday carried the same report.
War-gaming lets planners test how submarine capability would fit into allied operations before the boats are delivered. Public discussion matters because Australian ministers have said the submarines would remain under Australian control.
The exercise does not mean a conflict is expected. It shows how defence planners are preparing for scenarios involving AUKUS submarines.
Defence supporters, as reflected in the report, see rehearsal as a normal step to make the AUKUS submarines useful when they arrive.
Critics of AUKUS have argued in earlier debates that such planning ties Australia closer to US operations against China, a concern the government has rejected.
Confirmed: the Herald reports the ADF is taking part in the exercises this week. Not confirmed: details of the scenarios or results, which are not public. Watch for any government statement on the exercise.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 17 · Morning · WED., OCT. 21, 2026