Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that three members of the Royal Australian Navy were aboard a United States submarine involved in the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel earlier this week.
The American fast-attack submarine targeted and destroyed the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near the coast of Sri Lanka. Authorities in Sri Lanka reported that as of Thursday, 87 bodies had been recovered following the attack, while 32 people survived.
The revelation comes as Australian personnel continue to participate in submarine placements with the United States under defence cooperation agreements tied to the AUKUS partnership. Through this program, Australian sailors rotate through operational roles aboard US nuclear-powered submarines as part of preparations for Australia’s future submarine fleet.
Prior to the prime minister’s comments, officials had declined to confirm reports suggesting Australian personnel were present on the submarine involved in the strike.
However, speaking during an interview on Friday morning, Albanese acknowledged that three Australians had been onboard the vessel.
“We wouldn’t normally confirm such an issue, but given our [National Security Committee] meetings and the public interest, I can confirm that there were three Australian personnel on board that vessel,” he said.
Albanese emphasized that the Australians did not participate in the combat operation itself.
“I can confirm also, though, that no Australian personnel have participated in any offensive action against Iran.”
The prime minister said arrangements governing Australian personnel embedded within allied military forces have existed for many years and include clear rules regarding how they operate.
“These are long-standing third-country arrangements that have been in place for a long period of time, and what they do is ensure that Australian defence force personnel, where they are embedded in third countries’ defence assets, they act in accordance with Australian law, Australian policy, and that is, of course, taking place across the board.”
Under the current program, dozens of Australian sailors have been stationed on US fast-attack submarines operating from Pearl Harbor as part of their training and operational integration.
The AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom is designed to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines and deepen military cooperation between the three allies.
The strike on the IRIS Dena forms part of the escalating military conflict involving Iran and Western allies across the Middle East and surrounding regions.
While Albanese confirmed the presence of Australian personnel aboard the submarine, he stressed that strict legal frameworks ensure embedded service members follow Australian government policy when serving within allied units.
The confirmation marks the first time Australian officials have publicly acknowledged that Australian sailors were present on the vessel involved in the operation.
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