United States President Joe Biden (R) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a conference throughout the Quad Leaders Summit at Kantei in Tokyo on May 24, 2022.
Saul Loeb|AFP|Getty Images
Australia will get conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under a contract revealed following a Monday conference of the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
U.S. President Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese struck the offer at the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, Calif.
“When we announced the AUKUS partnership in September 2021, we committed to set the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard,” the leaders stated in a joint declaration referencing a tactical alliance amongst the nations. “The plan we announce today delivers on this commitment and reflects our longstanding leadership in, and respect for, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
Speaking after the conference, Albanese stated the arrangement “represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defense capability in all of our history.” He thanked the U.S. for sharing its nuclear propulsion innovation for just the 2nd time in history.
The trio accepted speak with the International Atomic Energy Agency “to develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the strongest precedent for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.”
The submarines will be imitated the United Kingdom’s next-generation nuclear submarine style and consist of current U.S. innovation. Known as “SSN-AUKUS” after the tactical collaboration amongst the nations, they will be developed and utilized by both the U.K. and Australia.
The U.K. is slated to provide its very first submarines in the late 2030 s. Australia is set to provide its very first undersea craft to the U.K. in the early 2040 s.
Starting this year, Australian military and civilian workers will be embedded with members of the U.S. and U.K. navies to finest discover the innovation, ultimately holding rotations docking the submarines with Australia start in 2027.
Pending congressional approval, the U.S. will look for to offer Australia 3 Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines starting in the early 2030 s. The U.S. wants to offer up to 5 submarines, if required.
“This first project is only the beginning. More partnerships, more potential for peace and security in the region lies ahead,” Biden stated after the conference. “Simply stated, we’re putting ourselves in the strongest possible position to navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow, together.”
