AUKUS Pact

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In September 2021, a significant development known as the AUKUS pact emerged, bringing together Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States in a groundbreaking security partnership. This collaboration is poised to reshape the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region by fostering stability and safeguarding its openness.

At the heart of the AUKUS initiative lies a historic decision to bolster Australia's defense capabilities with conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs). This landmark decision marked the inception of SSN-AUKUS, a remarkable trilateral endeavor that draws upon the cutting-edge submarine technology of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. The aim is to create a next-generation submarine design, incorporating the finest innovations from these three nations. Both Australia and the United Kingdom have committed to making SSN-AUKUS the cornerstone of their future naval operations, with plans to construct these submarines domestically within the next decade.

To expedite the delivery of these conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, a phased approach has been devised, built upon shared commitments from each nation:

• Commencing in 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will engage closely with the U.S. Navy, the Royal Navy, and submarine industrial bases in the United States and the United Kingdom. This collaborative effort will accelerate the training of Australian personnel, with U.S. and Australian crews undergoing joint training sessions. The United States has scheduled increased SSN port visits to Australia from 2023, followed by the United Kingdom's enhanced visits from 2026.
• As early as 2027, forward rotations of SSNs from the United States and the United Kingdom will be implemented, thereby fast-tracking the development of Australian naval personnel, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. This is a pivotal step toward establishing Australia's sovereign SSN capabilities.
• In the early 2030s, contingent upon Congressional approval, the United States plans to supply Australia with three Virginia class submarines, with potential additional sales of up to two more. This strategic move is designed to progressively enhance Australia's autonomous SSN capabilities.
• By the late 2030s, the United Kingdom will furnish its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy, while Australia's inaugural domestically-built SSN-AUKUS is scheduled for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.

This comprehensive plan is tailored to empower Australia in terms of infrastructure, technological prowess, industry competence, and human resources essential for the management, maintenance, operation, and responsible stewardship of a sovereign fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. The commitment to stringent nuclear non-proliferation standards remains unwavering, underscoring the dedication to global security.

With the AUKUS partnership's inception, a commitment was made to set the highest benchmark for nuclear non-proliferation. The present plan not only upholds this commitment but also exemplifies the leadership and respect for the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Consultations with the International Atomic Energy Agency continue to refine a non-proliferation approach that establishes an exemplary precedent for acquiring nuclear-powered submarine capabilities.

The AUKUS implementation plan contributes to the industrial prowess of all three nations, ensuring the production and sustenance of interoperable nuclear-powered submarines for generations. By expanding collective maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific, this initiative reinforces global security and stability, embodying the notion that collaborative actions yield shared benefits.

AUKUS will boost robust and innovative information sharing and technology cooperation. The member nations are resolute in their pursuit of trilateral collaboration to amplify joint capabilities, fortify information and technology exchange, and integrate industrial bases and supply chains, thereby reinforcing the security frameworks of each nation.

For over a century, these three nations have united with other allies and partners to preserve global peace, stability, and prosperity. With a steadfast belief in upholding freedoms, human rights, the rule of law, sovereign independence, and the rules-based international order, the measures outlined in regards to the AUKUS pact lay the groundwork for achieving these common goals in the forthcoming decades.

“AUKUS, as you all know, involves two pillars. Pillar I – providing Australia with a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability . . . and Pillar II – trilaterally developing and providing joint advanced military capabilities. . . . is a generational opportunity for deeper collaboration with two of our closest allies. . . . [But] make no mistake – the success of AUKUS is not predetermined – it must be built.” – Jessica Lewis, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, May 24, 2023