Surging
               forward
into history

The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program is the most significant industrial and technical endeavour in Australia's history. The program will deliver a major boost to Australian industry, jobs, infrastructure and our defence capability to keep Australians safe.

3 Nations

Working together to better contribute to a sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific.

20,000 jobs

Highly skilled jobs for Australians for decades to come.

$53-63 billion

Total planned investment over the decade from 2024-25 to 2033-34.

8 submarines

By the early 2040s, Australia will own and operate a fleet of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines.

2027

UK and US nuclear-powered submarines will begin a rotational presence in Australia known as ‘Submarine Rotational Force-West’ (SRF-West).

AUKUS

Ensuring we have capabilities that contribute to a strategy of denial, enhancing Australia’s capacity to deter coercion and increase the ADF’s capacity for impactful projection.

Explore our stories

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP), marking the first time Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility will lead and execute SSN maintenance in Australia.
29 October 2025

Australia getting set for Submarine Rotational Force - West

The ASA has marked another significant leap in Australia’s journey to acquire a sovereign capability to operate and maintain SSNs from HMAS Stirling.

Explore a nuclear-powered submarine

Deep dive with a nuclear-powered submarine and see what gives them superior stealth, endurance, and why they are vital for modern naval defence and deterrence.

Let's dive deep

Let's take a tour with a nuclear submarine. Click through to explore.

Pathway to Australia's nuclear-powered submarine capability

Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program represents the most significant industrial and technical endeavour in Australian history.

Embeds and industrial workforce
Virginia Class
Increasing Port
visits (From 2023)
SRF-West
(As early as 2027)
Astute Class
Australia Sovereign
Ready (Early 2030s)
Australian Virginia
Class Submarines
Virginia Class
Australian Shipyard
Design and Construction
(From 2023)
Construction
of SSN-AUKUS
(During the 2020s)
Planned Delivery of
UK's First SSN-AUKUS
(Late 2030s)
Planned Delivery of
Australia's First SSN-AUKUS
(In early 2040s)
SSN-AUKUS
Collins Class Capability
Collins Class Capability
2023
2033
2043
2053