Australia plans to acquire five American Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines.

According to information published on the Internet by several international news agencies on March 9, 2023, Australia plans to acquire five American Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines in the 2030s as part of the AUKUS defense agreement between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
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The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington SSN 787. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The AUKUS pact is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, announced on September 15, 2021. The agreement involves the sharing of advanced military technology, including nuclear-powered submarines, and aims to enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the AUKUS pact, the United States and the United Kingdom will assist Australia in developing a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, which is expected to significantly enhance Australia's maritime capabilities. The pact also includes agreements to strengthen collaboration in areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.

The Virginia class is a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines used by the United States Navy. The first Virginia-class submarine was commissioned in 2004, and as of 2021, the Navy has 19 Virginia-class submarines in service, with several more under construction.

The Virginia class submarines are designed for a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. They are equipped with a variety of advanced technologies, including a fly-by-wire ship control system, a photonics mast, and advanced sonar systems.

The Virginia class submarines are also very stealthy, with a low acoustic signature and an advanced noise reduction system. They are powered by a nuclear reactor, which allows them to remain submerged for extended periods without needing to surface for refueling.

The Virginia-class submarines are considered some of the most advanced submarines in the world and are expected to remain in service with the US Navy for several decades to come. They are an important part of the Navy's overall strategy to maintain dominance in the undersea domain and project power throughout the world's oceans.

The weapon systems of the Virginia class submarine include up to 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles in their vertical launch tubes. These missiles can be used to strike land-based targets from a distance of several hundred miles. The submarine can also launch MK48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) torpedoes which re used primarily for anti-submarine warfare. They are capable of engaging both fast-moving and deep-diving targets.

The Virginia-class submarines can also carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles, which can be used to engage surface targets such as ships and boats.