AUKUS nations lay out plans for joint submarine development
A concept of what the SSN AUKUS may look like. (Image: MoD/Crown copyright)
Defence ministers from the UK, US and Australia have been meeting in London to outline plans for Pillar I and Pillar II development focused on the creation of a joint nuclear attack submarine.
The tripartite collaboration between the UK, US and Australia, known as AUKUS, has held its first UK-based meeting and begun work on a number of key defence initiatives between the partners.
In “Pillar I” of the partnership’s future plans, Australia has hopes to buy at least three Virginia-class conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s. In “Pillar II”, the three nations will look to work together to develop a new boat of their own, the SSN AUKUS.
That submarine will be Australian-built but US-equipped, and the three countries hope it will be delivered in the 2040s and operated within
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
