AUKUS Partnership: Australia building SSN-AUKUS Submarines

Tags: International News

The AUKUS partnership has been established by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to enhance trilateral security and develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

An Overview of the News

• This historic agreement represents a major step in defense cooperation between the three countries.

Submarine Construction:

• Collaboration between Australia's ASC and UK-based BAE Systems to build submarines.

• Based on British design incorporating American weapons systems.

• Australia aims to operate eight nuclear-powered submarines by 2050.

• Capabilities:

  • Submarines equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare and attack operations.

  • Increased privacy and quiet compared to Australia's existing diesel-powered fleet.

  • Focus on maximizing interoperability between AUKUS partners.

• Funding:

  • Australia has pledged 4.6 billion Australian dollars to British industry for the SSN-AUKUS submarines.

  • Significant investment from all AUKUS partners to ensure the success of the programme.

  • Trilateral industrial bases will be converged and integrated to support SSN cooperation.

Regional Concerns:

• China has expressed concern over a potential arms race in the Asia-Pacific region due to the AUKUS agreement.

• China's military modernization and assertiveness towards the South China Sea and Taiwan are highlighted.

General Information:

• This is the first time that a country has acquired the capability to build nuclear-powered submarines and continue production indefinitely.

• The Australian funding for British industry comes after a defense and security agreement with the UK aims to tackle issues such as growing Chinese involvement in the South China Sea and the South Pacific.

• Taiwan has spotted 36 Chinese military aircraft around the island, representing the highest number in 2024, which coincides with the unveiling of the AUKUS partnership.