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AUKUS agreement

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The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway will deliver long-term strategic benefits for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

It strengthens the combined industrial capacity of the 3 partners, with increased cooperation making trilateral supply chains more robust and resilient.

READ THE JOINT LEADERS STATEMENT ON AUKUS(Opens in a new tab/window)     READ THE PUBLIC REPORT

Optimal Pathway

AUKUS partners have identified an Optimal Pathway to achieve the construction and delivery of SSN-AUKUS as an enduring nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia.

The Optimal Pathway will:

  • Deliver Australia a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability as soon as the early 2030s.
  • Elevate all 3 nations' industrial capacity to produce and sustain advanced and interoperable nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come.
  • Expand our individual and collective undersea presence in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to global security and stability in the region.

AUKUS partners appreciate the enormity of this endeavour and are committed to being responsible stewards of naval nuclear propulsion technology.

This pathway will ensure Australia safely and securely operates and sustains its nuclear-powered submarines.

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UK Submarine Maintenance Period 2026
Australia's nuclear-powered submarines
Collins Class submarines
Submarine Rotational Force - West
Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period
Submarine industry and workforce
International agreements
Construction in South Australia
Submarines in Western Australia
Western Australia quarterly updates
Nuclear non-proliferation
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