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Contractors BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd have been chosen to build the future SSN-AUKUS class of submarines under the trilateral security agreement between the U. S. , U. K. and Australia, according to a March 21 Pentagon announcement.
The two shipbuilders will lead the industry’s efforts to design and build this long-term fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines, scheduled for delivery in Australia in the early 2040s. ASC Pty Ltd, an Australian company, will also serve as Australia’s “underwater” underlay. partner,” according to the notice.
“The formation of those strategic alliances with industry is a vital milestone in AUKUS’ efforts,” the announcement said. “This is a demonstration that our trilateral industry is following the optimal path that is becoming a truth and will reinforce Australia’s role as a competent security partner. “and responsible steward of the capability of a conventionally armed nuclear submarine for decades to come. “
The SSN-AUKUS will integrate generation from the 3 countries with a design in the next-generation British submarine, lately in development with BAE. The ships, which will also be deployed and operated across the UK, “will be supplied for intelligence, surveillance, submarine warfare and strike missions, and will provide maximum interoperability between AUKUS partners,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the U. S. plans to send three Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the early 2030s, with used ships expected to be sold in FY32 and FY35, followed by one new-build ship in FY38.
As Virginia’s production rates fall below the two-ship-a-year rate desired by the U. S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon aims to invest more than $11 billion in the nation’s trade base over the next five years.
Australia is also making really significant investments in its own trade base, pledging to spend at least A$18 billion (the equivalent of about US$11. 7 billion) to improve its infrastructure over the next decade, according to the advisory. A portion of this investment will go towards identifying the amenities of the nuclear-powered submarine structure at the Osborne Shipyard in Adelaide.
The UK plans to invest £3 billion, or about US$3. 8 billion, in its defence nuclear business, while contractor Rolls-Royce aims to double the length of its UK-based commercial site, where all of Australia’s nuclear reactors will be built. Add the notice.
“The optimal path has been designed to create a more powerful and more resilient trilateral submarine commercial base, supporting the production and maintenance of submarines in all three countries,” the statement said. “Today’s announcements are a testament to this: the structure of the SSN-AUKUS will create opportunities for trade collaboration, strengthen our collective trade-based capacity, and generate economic expansion in the defense and national security sectors in the 3 countries. “
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