Australian Navy Personnel on US Submarine Involved in Iranian Warship Sinking
Three Royal Australian Navy personnel were on board a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Friday, March 6, 2026. Despite the vessel’s involvement in the sinking of the IRIS Dena, Albanese stated the Australian personnel did not participate in any offensive action against Iran.
Details of the Incident
The US speedy-attack submarine sank the Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka. As of yesterday, Sri Lankan authorities had recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 survivors . The US has not officially identified the submarine, though reports suggest it was the USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class submarine that recently rotated through HMAS Stirling in Perth .
AUKUS Training Program
The Australian personnel were participating in a training rotation on a US fast-attack submarine as part of the AUKUS security pact, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines . Dozens of Australian personnel are currently rotating through placements on US submarines based out of Pearl Harbor in preparation for the acquisition of Australia’s own nuclear-powered submarines.
Government Confirmation and Restrictions
Australian authorities had initially been reluctant to confirm reports of Australian involvement. However, Albanese addressed the issue, stating, “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 reiterated, “I can confirm also, though, that no Australian personnel have participated in any offensive action against Iran.” . Frameworks are in place to ensure Australian personnel do not grab part in offensive actions.
Repatriation Efforts and Regional Concerns
As the situation unfolds, efforts are underway to assist Australians in the Middle East. Flights carrying Australians fleeing the region are arriving, though some seats remain empty due to late-notice confirmations and safety concerns. More than 440 Australians have been brought home on flights from Dubai, with additional flights scheduled from Abu Dhabi . Approximately 24,000 Australians are in the UAE, and 115,000 across the broader Middle East.
The Australian government has deployed a Royal Australian Air Force C17A Globemaster and KC-30A tanker transport as a precautionary measure to assist with repatriation efforts.
Opposition Response
The opposition has criticized the government’s response, calling for more proactive repatriation flights, citing the use of military planes in previous evacuations from Israel, New Caledonia, and Afghanistan .