AUKUS nations sign naval nuclear propulsion information-sharing agreement
The RN’s Astute-class submarine is a contender for the basis of Australia’s future SSN. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
AUKUS partners Australia, the UK and the US have signed an ‘Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement’, progressing Canberra’s plans to build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The agreement will progress consultations, allowing the UK and US to exchange sensitive and classified nuclear propulsion information with Australia.
It will also provide a mechanism for Australian personnel to access training from US and UK counterparts to safely build, operate, and support nuclear-powered boats.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said: ‘This Agreement will support Australia in completing the 18 months of intensive and comprehensive examination of the requirements underpinning the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines,’
The Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will consider the agreement and subject to domestic processes in the UK and US.
The announcement of the AUKUS agreement on 15 September shocked the world and came with the cancellation of Australia’s previous plans to buy 12 diesel-electric submarines from France’s Naval Group.
During an 18-month concept phase, the AUKUS trio will hammer out the future Australian nuclear submarine requirements.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard to receive the largest single acquisition funding in its history
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.