Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Australia had lied, saying France should have been aware it was prepared to break the deal.
France says the Aukus pact has led to a "serious crisis" between the allies.
In an unprecedented move, it has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia as a sign of protest.
Under the Aukus pact, Australia will be given the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines as a way of countering China's influence in the contested South China Sea.
