Interestingly, there are currently no UK suppliers equipped to provide the specialised steel necessary for the fabrication of submarine pressure hulls. These opportunities are likely to concentrate on essential components where Australia has showcased industrial proficiency, such as pressure hull steel, valves, pumps, batteries, switchboards, lighting, and additive manufacturing. Given the anticipated logistical challenges arising from the concurrent construction of the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS, as well as the additional capacity necessitated by the US Virginia class SSN programme, specific opportunities will be earmarked for the Australian industry to engage in the SSN-AUKUS supply chain.īy doing this, it will “alleviate stress on the supply chains of the UK and the US, tap into the existing strengths of Australian suppliers, and bolster their capacity in the run-up to the onset of Australia’s build programme”. ![]() The programme is forecasted to generate thousands of jobs in the UK. As highlighted above, Rolls Royce will also be responsible for producing all the nuclear reactors for Australia’s submarines. In line with the current Astute and Dreadnought programmes, the UK’s SSN-AUKUS submarines will be constructed by BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, with the nuclear propulsion components fabricated at Rolls Royce in Derby. The US, subject to Congressional approval, has pledged to supply Australia with three Virginia-class SSNs, potentially followed by two more. However, in the meantime, Australia will not be left without advanced submarine capabilities. The UK anticipates the first submarines of this class to be operational by the late 2030s, with Australia following suit in the early 2040s. While construction on the SSN-AUKUS is earmarked to commence by 2030, the roadmap leading up to this point is progressively materialising. Production Timeline and UK Industrial Implications Propulsion and Range: Utilising nuclear propulsion technologies, the submarine will possess extended operational ranges and lengthier durations submerged, outstripping conventional diesel-electric submarines. ![]() The design, enriched with elements from all three nations, will facilitate streamlined joint naval operations. Interoperability: A chief objective of this initiative is flawless interoperability amongst the naval assets of the three nations. Its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities will be unparalleled, integrating both human-operated and AI-enhanced systems. Weapons & Surveillance: The SSN-AUKUS will feature a standard vertical launch system, paired with advanced weapon systems. While specific details are classified, certain overarching capabilities of the SSN-AUKUS are evident:ĭesign: It will be based on the UK’s next-generation submarine design, integrating cutting-edge technological contributions from the US and Australia. ![]() Notably, the integration of advanced US submarine technologies, which have long been leaders in undersea warfare, is a key feature. This submarine design is set to be a next-generation wonder, drawing heavily from the UK’s forthcoming submarine designs and further bolstered by technology contributions from all three member nations. While Australia has operated submarines before, transitioning to a nuclear-powered fleet marks a significant advance, and this is where the SSN-AUKUS, also referred to as the SSN-A in the UK, comes into play. The cornerstone of the AUKUS agreement, which has captured extensive attention, is the provision for Australia to procure its first-ever conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. This tri-nation agreement displays the collective aim of Australia, the UK, and the US to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.īeyond just a defence pact, AUKUS epitomises the three nations’ commitment to technology exchange, security collaborations, and a unified stance against emerging global threats. AUKUS: Background and AimsĪUKUS, as a defence and security partnership, was launched in September 2021. Here, we delve deeper into what this project offers, its implications, and the contributions of the submarine. The submarine project heralds a new era in military technology, geopolitics, and undersea warfare. The SSN-AUKUS submarine symbolises an unparalleled level of collaboration.
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