AUKUS nuclear submarine unveiled

The U.S., UK and Australia are set to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, intended to counter China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region

Rendering of SSN-AUKUS


SSN-AUKUS SUBMARINE 

Design: Built by BAE Systems to replace UK’s Astute-class boats

Power: Rolls-Royce reactors supplied in sealed units that do not have to be refuelled in their lifetime
 
Armament: U.S. Vertical Launch System (VLS)

  
PHASE ONE

From 2023: Australian personnel embedded with U.S. and UK navies, including submarine industrial bases, for training

U.S. subs to increase port visits to Australia. UK to follow from 2026


PHASE TWO

2027: One British and four U.S. subs establish rotational presence at Perth to help train Australian crews and bolster deterrence

Late 2020s: Construction of SSN-AUKUS starts in Barrow-in-Furness, UK, and Adelaide

2023 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 2040
  
PHASE THREE

From 2032: Australia to buy three U.S. Virginia class subs – with option for two more – as stop-gap while new vessels are built


PHASE FOUR

Late 2030s: Britain takes delivery of first SSN-AUKUS submarine. Royal Australian Navy to receive first vessel in early 2040s


HMAS Stirling base, Perth

AUSTRALIA

AUKUS cost: $368bn by 2055

Osborne shipyard, Adelaide: Submarines to be assembled


Sources: U.S., UK and Australian governments
Picture: BAE Systems 
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