Australia may buy up to 5 American Virginia-class nuclear submarines, participate in UK's SSN(R) future nuclear submarine program

 

The lead ship of the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines, the USS Virginia (SSN-774). Photo c/o US Navy.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, together with United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak are expected to announce on 14 March 2023 the plans for Australia's A$200 billion future submarine force program as part of the AUKUS Alliance's meeting in San Diego, California.

According to leaked information gathered by international media from US and UK sources, Australia may purchase at least 3 second-hand Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines from the US Government, with an option for 2 more submarines.

These submarines are expected to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by the early 2030s.

As part of the deal, the US Navy will also forward-deploy their own nuclear submarines in Australia, and would allow access and training for future nuclear submarine crew from the Royal Australian Navy while assisting in Australia's own defense requirements in the absence of capable platforms to immediately replace the RAN's ageing fleet of Collins-class diesel-electric attack submarines.
 
Also part of the plan will be for Australia to join in the United Kingdom's ongoing Submersible Ship Nuclear (Replacement) or SSN(R) program which aims to design and construct a new class of nuclear attack submarines for the Royal Navy to replace the current Astute-class in the 2040s.

While Australia is not expected to benefit from a local submarine construction program with the purchase of second-hand American nuclear submarines, it is said that Australian shipyards and defense companies may get a chance to participate in supplying components for the construction of new Virginia-class submarines to assist American manufacturers and suppliers to speed up construction, as submarines for the US Navy are reportedly experiencing construction delays.

In participating with the design and construction of new nuclear submarines in partnership with the United Kingdom, Australian shipbuilders would benefit in local submarine construction in the 2030s.
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The information will yet to be confirmed as Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to announce Australia's plans on 14 March 2023.

If these are correct, the Australian Government says that its future submarine plans is expected to provide up to 20,000 jobs for Australians, technology transfer allowing Australia access to naval nuclear and submarine technology, and long term maintenance and sustainment contracts, in addition to improved naval defense capabilities for the country.




[1] The Sydney Morning Herald
[2] The Guardian
[3] ABC News