SSN-AUKUS

Rendering of SSN-AUKUS submarine (BAE Systems)
Class overview
NameSSN-AUKUS, SSN-A
Builders
Operators
Preceded by
Built
  • Late 2020s (United Kingdom)
  • Late 2030s (Australia)
In service
  • Late 2030s (United Kingdom)
  • Early 2040s (Australia)
Planned
  • TBD (United Kingdom)
  • 5 (Australia)[1]
General characteristics (conceptual)
TypeNuclear attack submarine
DisplacementOver 10,000 tonnes (9,800 long tons)
PropulsionPWR nuclear reactor
Sensors and
processing systems		Evolved AN/BYG-1 Combat Management System
ArmamentMk-48 torpedoes and missiles

The SSN-AUKUS, also known as the SSN-A,[2] is a planned class of nuclear-powered fleet submarine (SSN) intended to enter service with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy in the late 2030s and Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s. The class will replace the UK's Astute-class and Australia's Collins-class submarines.[3][4]

The UK commenced an Astute class replacement project in 2018, which was later named the Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR).[5][6][7] The ongoing SSNR design was renamed SSN-AUKUS in March 2023, under the 2021 AUKUS trilateral security partnership, when Australia joined the programme and additional US technology was incorporated into the design.[4][8]

Australia plans to build five SSN-AUKUS submarines in addition to acquiring three nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines from the United States.[1][9]

The class will be powered by Rolls-Royce's pressurised water reactors (PWR).[10] The submarines will displace over 10,000 tonnes.[11]

  1. ^ a b Briggs, Peter (12 October 2023). "How many nuclear-powered submarines for Australia?". The Strategist — Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  2. ^ Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace (28 June 2023). "Astute Replacement Programme: Contingent Liability". UK Parliament Hansard. House of Commons. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  3. ^ Heappey, James (6 February 2020). "HMS Audacious - Ministry of Defence written question – answered on 6th February 2020". www.theyworkforyou.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2021. We remain committed to delivering all seven Astute boats by the end of 2026
  4. ^ a b "Australia to buy US submarines to bridge gap before UK-design boats". Financial Times. 9 March 2023. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Maritime Underwater Future Capability (MUFC) Industry Day, 10 October 2018". Defence Contracts Online. Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 14 May 2019.
  6. ^ Submarine Delivery Agency (March 2021). "Corporate Plan 2020-2023" (PDF). GOV.UK. p. 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference rndesign170 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference whfact was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ "Much more detail on submarine deal". Australian Naval Institute. 14 June 2023. Archived from the original on 18 June 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Nuclear reactors from Rolls-Royce to power Australian submarines". Rolls-Royce (Press release). 13 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  11. ^ Nicholson, Brendan (28 May 2024). "AUKUS subs 'bigger, better, bolder'". The Australian. News Corp Australia. p. 1. Retrieved 28 May 2024.