The AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Pathway: a partnership for the future

The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway will deliver Australia a world-class capability that will see our nation become one of only seven countries that operate nuclear-powered submarines.

The pathway delivers significant long-term strategic benefits for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It strengthens the combined industrial capacity of the three AUKUS partners, with increased cooperation making trilateral supply chains more robust and resilient.

Over the past 18 months, Australia, the UK and US have worked in close partnership to develop the Optimal Pathway for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

Key features include:

  • A range of opportunities for Australian personnel to work with and learn from UK and US Navies including through increased visits to Australian ports by the UK Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines;
  • Increased forward presence of Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, to assist us in developing our knowledge base and industrial capabilities;
  • The delivery of three Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy from as soon as the early 2030s, with the potential to acquire up to two more if needed; followed by
  • The development, construction and delivery for the Royal Australian Navy of an advanced, nuclear-powered submarine called ‘SSN-AUKUS’, incorporating Australian, UK and US technologies.

For more information on the announcement visit  The AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Pathway | About | Defence

For more information about a career as a submariner visit Navy - Nuclear-Powered Submarines | defencejobs.gov.au

 

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