The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), BAE Systems, and ASC have formalised a Tasking Statement to advance the development of the SSN AUKUS fleet for the Royal Australian Navy.
SSN AUKUS fleet is a series of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
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This agreement outlines collaboration on build strategy, supply chain management, and workforce development.
The AUKUS defence and security partnership among Australia, the UK, and the US was announced in September 2021.
In March 2023, a joint statement by the AUKUS nations detailed the execution plan for the first pillar of the agreement.
The AUKUS Mobilisation Deed was signed by the ASA, BAE Systems, and ASC in November, providing a contractual framework for engagement with the Australian Government.
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By GlobalDataThis followed the Heads of Agreement and the announcement regarding Australia’s shipbuilders in March.
BAE Systems Submarines business managing director Steve Timms said: “SSN AUKUS is our contribution to the critical tri-national security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US.
“The safe build, test and commissioning of nuclear submarines is a hugely complex engineering endeavour and through these agreements, we’re able to share our vast experience of nuclear submarine capabilities with our industry partners to support the build of submarines in Australia.”
“We have a long history of delivering sovereign capability and security in Australia and the UK and the Tasking Statement underpins further support to essential delivery capabilities in Adelaide, with support from Barrow.”
Integrated Project Teams are currently managing various aspects of the project, including nuclear stewardship and infrastructure requirements.
Functions such as nuclear safety, engineering, and build operations are also being developed to support the initiative.
Two submarine programmes are currently underway: the Astute class SSN, with the last expected to enter service by 2026, and the Dreadnought class SSBN, which is set to continue into the 2030s and will serve as the platform for the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent.
BAE Systems Australia chief executive Craig Lockhart said: “Focused on stealth and endurance, the SSN AUKUS submarine will integrate cutting edge technologies and advanced materials to enable it to operate the full spectrum of underwater missions, from advanced intelligence and surveillance through to underwater warfare.”
