The British Government has pledged almost £4 billion (approximately $4.9 billion) to advance the development of nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with Australia and the United States under the AUKUS program.
Contracts were awarded to BAE Systems, Babcock Marine, and Rolls-Royce to support the development of nuclear attack submarines for the UK and Australia. This funding covers design, prototyping, and the procurement of critical long-lead items for the first batch of UK submarines scheduled for delivery in the late 2030s.
Australia and the UK are partnering to design and construct the SSN-AUKUS submarine, which will incorporate technology from both countries. The AUKUS agreement, established in 2021, encompasses submarine construction, basing, operation, and advanced weaponry.
The initial SSN-AUKUS submarines will be manufactured at BAE’s Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in northwest England, replacing the Royal Navy’s Astute class attack submarines. This investment also includes substantial infrastructure upgrades, supply chain investments, and the hiring of over 5,000 personnel.
Both UK and Australian submarines will be powered by nuclear reactors from Rolls-Royce, with some propulsion components sourced from the United States. The investment reaffirms the UK’s commitment to maintaining strategic capabilities and global leadership in an evolving geopolitical landscape. 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸 #AUKUS #SubmarineDevelopment
