Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Program
March 15th, 2023Madness.
Via: The Diplomat:
From around 2027, U.S. and U.K. nuclear submarines will undertake rotational deployments to Australia.
In the 2030s, subject to U.S. Congressional approval, Australia will purchase three to five Virginia-class subs. The Biden administration and Australia itself are also making new investments in the United States’ submarine-building capacity.
Lastly, beginning from the early 2040s, Australia will build eight entirely new submarines, designed with the United Kingdom but featuring U.S. technology, including a new combat system. The “SSN AUKUS,” as it has been named, will be operated by both Australia and the United Kingdom.
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The bill for the submarines – tentatively put at AU$268 billion to AU$368 billion (US$178-$245 billion) over several decades – will push defense spending well beyond 2 percent of GDP at a time when the national budget is in structural deficit and demands for spending on health and social welfare are high.
