The United Kingdom has requested assistance from the United States in developing a shared weapons system for the next generation of submarines under the AUKUS security partnership. A notification of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) revealed the request, which centers on a common “vertical deployment tube” – understood to be a Vertical Launch Cell (VLS) – and related components.
Beyond the development of these submarine-based vertical deployment tubes, the U.S. Will support the Royal Navy in formulating additional components for munitions systems. These include “common weapon launchers and multiple all-up-round canister support service modules,” likely constituting a significant portion of the submarines’ weapons systems.
The U.S. State Department indicated it will provide embedded U.S. Industry personnel in the U.K., along with broader support from U.S. Defense contractors, including “engineering, technical, and logistics support services.” The systems are intended for use on nuclear attack submarines destined for both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, and are likely to debut on the SSN-AUKUS class currently under joint development.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It aims to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and further integrate defense infrastructure between the three nations.
The partnership was established after Australia cancelled its previous Attack-class submarine program in 2021, citing a need for nuclear-powered submarines to address a changing threat landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. Currently, Australia is set to receive three Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. In the 2030s, with the option to acquire two more, as a precursor to the SSN-AUKUS class.
Australia’s existing Collins-class submarines are undergoing life extensions to remain operational until the Virginias are delivered. These submarines are projected to remain in service for approximately 34 years before retirement in the 2030s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSN-AUKUS submarine?
The SSN-AUKUS is a planned class of nuclear-powered attack submarine intended to enter service with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy in the late 2030s and the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.
What prompted the AUKUS partnership?
The partnership was formed after Australia cancelled the Attack-class submarine program, citing a need for nuclear-powered submarines to address evolving security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
What is the current status of Australia’s submarine fleet?
Australia’s Collins-class submarines are undergoing life extensions to extend their service life until the arrival of the Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s.
As the AUKUS partnership progresses, how might the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region be affected by these advancements in submarine technology?
