Submarines and AUKUS

The announcement in September 2021 that Australia would acquire eight nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) overlooks critical strategic, industrial and personnel considerations.

Significant government investment is needed for a third shipyard, set to boost existing capacities.

The first of these highly anticipated submarines are currently under construction in Connecticut. The advanced warships are expected to represent a significant improvement over the previous Virginia-class subs.

Using incremental improvements in design and production processes allows the United States Navy to launch Virginia Class Submarines on an almost annual basis.

Former Australian Defence Minister and ambassador to the United States, Kim Beazley, argues that AUKUS is critical to Australia's survival; and ensuring its effectiveness involves Australia having the same type of weapons systems as the USA.

The AUKUS submarine deal is a considerable capability boost for Australia. However, the cost will be high, and Australia will have to plan carefully to meet that cost.

Artificial intelligence companies from the three nations are developing tools that enable the collection of increasing amounts of data in an information-overloaded environment. Word count: 27

The first of a three part series from US Defense News about AUKUS and the US Submarine industry.

The second of a three part series from US Defense News about AUKUS and the US Submarine industry.

The third of a three part series from US Defense News about AUKUS and the US Submarine industry.

Australia received a thunderous response from Southeast Asia when it announced its trilateral security partnership with the UK and the US in 2021—but was more cautious with the update on its chosen AUKUS submarine pathway.

The AUKUS agreement will result in Australia acquiring nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines, which will be of a new British design—their reactors, combat systems and heavyweight torpedoes will be American. As an interim measure, the US will sell Australia three Virginia-class ‘hunter-killer’ submarines (will provide up to five if required. The AUKUS program aims to get formidable attack submarines into the hands of Australian sailors as quickly as possible.

Nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) are acquired to maintain peace in the region, noting that nuclear and diesel powered submarines have been operating in the Indo-Pacific for decades—and many Southeast Asian nations have their submarine programs.

This report argues that AUKUS is a technology accelerator to shift the military balance in the Indo Pacific without competing against the QUAD or lessening the importance of ASEAN forums by the AUKUS members.

The Australian government plans to offer scholarships to young people who want to be engineers or even nuclear scientists.

Defence Minister Richard Marles strongly backs the AUKUS-inspired nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) project, including developing the industrial base and highly trained workforce to make that happen.

Despite Vietnam’s apparent neutrality regarding AUKUS, the reality is that Vietnam is quietly supportive of anything likely to maintain the continuity of the international rules-based order.

Although it hasn’t been widely publicised, artificial intelligence will play a key role in the new AUKUS alliance.

Australia’s decision to purchase nuclear-powered submarines was the right decision—but we need to start preparing now.

AUKUS provides India with the opportunity to get a better deal from its military hardware suppliers and perhaps acquire previously restricted technology from the US.

Australia needs to be sensitive and needs to manage its relationships with ASEAN due to the new AUKUS agreement.

Although it hasn’t been widely publicised, artificial intelligence will play a key role in the new AUKUS alliance.