Acquiring a submarine is only the first expense; the logistics of moving and maintaining it are staggering.
: Older conventional submarines are often sold between nations. For example, Australia has planned to buy secondhand Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. to bridge capability gaps. buy old military submarine
: A decommissioned, stripped hull might cost as little as $150,000, while a more intact, older diesel-electric boat (like a Russian Foxtrot-class) could reach several million dollars. Acquiring a submarine is only the first expense;
: Most decommissioned vessels are destined for the scrap yard to be recycled. A small percentage are preserved as museum exhibits , allowing the public to see engineering marvels like the USS Albacore . to bridge capability gaps
Because of the high cost of making them dive again, most old submarines find new life as stationary structures. U.S.S. Albacore - OTIS (Odd Things I've Seen)