Through statements made by the new U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, it was confirmed that Australia has made the first payment of US$500 million for the purchase of its first Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine to equip the Royal Australian Navy. This announcement was made during a meeting between the U.S. Secretary of Defense and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles.
A few days ago, both officials met at the Pentagon to discuss concerns currently affecting the Indo-Pacific region, as well as ways to strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations. In this context, the official statement indicated that Australia made the first payment under the AUKUS alliance to equip the Royal Australian Navy with its first nuclear-powered attack submarines. This is one of the key objectives outlined in the alliance’s roadmap with the United Kingdom and the United States, which envisions the construction of a new generation of nuclear submarines over the next decade.
The AUKUS Agreement and the Acquisition of Nuclear-Powered Submarines
As part of the AUKUS alliance, in March 2023, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia agreed on a technological exchange that will enable the Royal Australian Navy to acquire between three and five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines while developing a new class of submarines in collaboration with the United Kingdom. The introduction of the Virginia-class submarines will help Australia bridge the capability gap in nuclear propulsion following the future retirement of its six Collins-class attack submarines.
It is worth noting that this US$500 million payment is part of a series of installments that will total up to US$3 billion, which Australia has committed to investing to ensure the timely delivery of the Virginia-class submarines. Additionally, in preparation for the adoption of this class, Australia completed its first local maintenance of a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine in mid-September as part of Pillar I of the program roadmap. The USS Hawaii (SSN 776) underwent maintenance performed by Australian engineers in collaboration with their U.S. counterparts.
Development of the New SSN-AUKUS
As previously stated, Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will be based on a British design, incorporating technology from all three nations. These new units will be the most advanced attack submarines developed for the Royal Navy and the first nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. They will integrate U.S. technology, including nuclear propulsion systems, vertical launch missile systems (VLS), and advanced weaponry.
Both countries will build their new nuclear-powered attack submarines (designated as SSN-AUKUS) at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Australia will work over the next decade to develop industrial facilities capable of continuing the project domestically. These submarine production facilities are expected to be established in the southern part of the country.
According to the British government, the first UK-built submarines will be delivered by the end of the next decade, replacing the Astute-class submarines currently being introduced into the Royal Navy. Australia is also expected to begin receiving its nuclear submarines in the following decade.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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