Australia and UK forge landmark agreement to deliver SSN AUKUS Nuclear Submarines.

According to a PR published by BAE Systems on December 17, 2024, the Australian and UK Governments have achieved a major milestone in the AUKUS trilateral partnership with the signing of a Tasking Statement between the Australian Submarine Agency, BAE Systems, and ASC Pty Ltd. This agreement sets the foundation for delivering a fleet of nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
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Artist rendering. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

The agreement outlines a collaborative framework for the development of strategies to build the submarines, establish supply chains, and create a skilled workforce. Industry leaders highlighted the program's transformative potential. ASC’s leadership described the agreement as a pivotal step in creating a sovereign capability, envisioning a future where today’s schoolchildren will lead the construction of Australia’s advanced submarine fleet. BAE Systems emphasized the technical complexity of building, testing, and commissioning nuclear-powered submarines, citing decades of expertise in delivering secure and reliable defense technologies.

The SSN AUKUS submarine design focuses on stealth, endurance, and advanced materials to perform a wide range of underwater missions, from surveillance to warfare. Preparations for the program include defining construction schedules, designing infrastructure, and enabling seamless information sharing between Australia, the UK, and the US.

The partnership has already made progress. Key agreements, including the AUKUS Mobilisation Deed and earlier framework arrangements, have provided the groundwork for collaborative efforts. Integrated Project Teams are actively managing tasks such as nuclear stewardship, infrastructure planning, and operational enablement. Construction plans for a new facility in Osborne are also underway to support the complex manufacturing process.

AUKUS

AUKUS is a strategic security partnership formed on September 15, 2021, between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its primary focus is to enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region by fostering collaboration in defense and advanced technologies. Central to the partnership is Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. This marks a milestone in defense cooperation, with the United States and the United Kingdom sharing sensitive nuclear propulsion technology. The agreement includes the development of a new submarine class, known as SSN-AUKUS, integrating innovations from all three nations.

In addition to submarine collaboration, AUKUS emphasizes advancements in areas like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, hypersonics, and electronic warfare. These efforts aim to maintain a strategic technological edge and reinforce deterrence in a region experiencing increased geopolitical tensions, particularly with China's growing influence.