AUKUS

In September 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced AUKUS – a new security partnership that will promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.

The AUKUS partnership involves two pillars, or related lines of effort.

PILLAR 1 – Submarines

AUKUS will provide Australia with a conventionally armed, nuclear powered submarine capability, along the following pathway, with a potential total project value of up to A$368 billion.

The submarine project will develop along the following pathway:

Increased visits to Australian ports by UK Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines

Increased forward presence of Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines to Australia

Delivery of three Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy from as soon as the early 2030s, with potential to acquire up to two more if needed

Development, construction and delivery for the Royal Australian Navy of an advanced, nuclear-powered ‘SSN-AUKUS’ submarine, incorporating Australian, UK and US technologies.

Pillar 2 – Advanced Capabilities

AUKUS will develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.