AUKUS subs deal presents inter-generational industry opportunities

March 21, 2023

The recent announcement that Australia will proceed with a long-term plan to acquire, operate and build nuclear-powered submarines opens many industry opportunities. The future generation submarine, to be built in Australia will be known as SSN-AUKUS.

The timeframes to prepare for sovereign manufacture of the SSN-AUKUS will require continued sustainment of the Collins Class fleet and an interim acquisition of a fleet of Virginia Class vessels (subject to US Congress approval).

According to the Industry Capability Planning representatives from the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce, there will also need to be a range of enabling actions undertaken by the military (RAN led and others), the industrial base of the three AUKUS partner nations and respective governments. These will be challenging and require a whole-of-nation approach, with contributions from all the States and Territories, to deliver the required outcomes.

A briefing from Industry Capability Planning representatives from the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce has provided high level open source, publicly available information about the Optimal Pathway to deliver a nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia. This industry specific information may useful for businesses seeking to participate in this inter-generational technical endeavour, and is aimed at securing the necessary participation from industry, workforce and others to deliver a program of this scale.

Register your interest in the program & to receive updates on the ICN Gateway.

Information sources & references:

Optimal Pathway decision & Final Report both available at the AUKUS landing page: AUKUS landing page
At the bottom of the AUKUS landing page there is a link for industry to register their interest in the program portal on the Industry Capability Network.
Factsheets: