The new attack submarine design the United Kingdom and Australia will share through the AUKUS trilateral arrangement is in a “mature” state, with finalization expected within the next year or two. Australia and the U.K. are actively designing, building, and operating their own SSN-AUKUS attack subs leveraging American technology. Design efforts, led by the U.K., are relatively mature, with industry partners focusing on future operating environments, needed capabilities, and deployment timelines.
The SSN-AUKUS will combine U.K. design with U.S. technology, with ongoing discussions about specific components such as the nuclear reactor plant, turbine generators, and combat systems. Australia’s Collins-class submarines will transition into the SSN-AUKUS design to match the U.K. The U.S. is building the Virginia-class submarine and plans to transition to a next-generation SSN(X) in the early 2040s, aligning with Australia and the U.K.
AUKUS allows for greater technology transfer from the United States, resulting in a “much better submarine” design according to U.K. Vice Adm. Martin Connell. This approach reduces risk for the Royal Australian Navy as it learns to operate its first native-built nuclear-powered submarine. Having a common combat system and torpedo system will help de-risk operations and allow for greater industrial collaboration across the three countries involved.
