AUKUS

In October 1956, a Defence Committee review was triggered by the revelations of Australia's dependence on Western Powers for security. The review recommended aligning Australia's defence planning with great powers and participating in collective regional security arrangements.

The 1957 Defence Review provided insights into Australia's pragmatic approach to security partnerships during the Menzies era, highlighting the rationalism in dealing with defense matters.

In late 2019, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison assigns defense officials to investigate the possibility of obtaining nuclear-powered submarines after concerns arise regarding a contract with France.

The first Block IV submarine was commissioned in 2020.

On 15 September 2021, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the AUKUS security pact, aimed at enhancing security cooperation among the three nations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterated the country's policy of not allowing nuclear submarines in its waters and expressed disappointment for not being approached about the AUKUS partnership.

Australia officially notified the French government of the cancellation of the Attack-class submarine project, causing anger and disappointment in France. The cancellation led to the recall of French ambassadors from Australia and the US.

Commission I of the People's Representative Council in Indonesia urged President Joko Widodo to take a strong stand against the AUKUS deal through ASEAN, citing concerns over national defense and sovereignty. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed worries about the arms race and power projection in the region.

Following a call between the French and US presidents, the French ambassador returned to the US, indicating a diplomatic development in the aftermath of the submarine project cancellation.

On 22 November 2021, Australia, the US and the UK signed the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) treaty, allowing the disclosure of nuclear propulsion technology information between the three countries.

The Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) treaty, signed on 22 November 2021, officially entered into force on 8 February 2022, enabling the sharing of nuclear propulsion technology information among Australia, the US, and the UK.

On 5 April 2022, the announcement of cooperation between the US, UK, and Australia to accelerate the development of hypersonic missiles and defense against such missiles.

On April 12, 2022, Sankei Shimbun reported that the US, UK, and Australia were discussing Japan's involvement in the AUKUS security framework, focusing on Japanese hypersonic weapon development and electronic warfare capabilities.

On 31 August 2022, the UK announced that Australian submariners would receive training aboard Astute-class submarines.

The AUKUS agreement, announced a year ago, has been marked by significant milestones including the launch of the Australia-UK submariner training program. Anticipation is high for 2023, when the Australian Strategic Defence Review and AUKUS submarine plan are expected to provide concrete insights into procurement, costs, and timelines.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded to French anger over the AUKUS deal by urging for understanding and cooperation, using a mix of English and French phrases to convey his message.

On December 10, 2022, Australia's Minister for Defence expressed the country's interest in having Japan join the AUKUS partnership.

On March 13, 2023, the AUKUS partners revealed a plan to develop a nuclear-powered submarine capability in Australia, aiming for an expedited timeline while upholding stringent non-proliferation standards.

On March 14, 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio voiced his backing for Australia's planned acquisition of US-made nuclear-powered submarines within the AUKUS framework.

It is reported that Australia may only build three out of the eight AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines locally, as mentioned by Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, RAN.

The Australian Submarine Agency was established on 1 July 2023 to manage the Australian nuclear submarine program and oversee personnel posted to the UK and US.

The AUKUS submarine programme involves Australia partnering with the Royal Navy to design and build a new class of SSNs. The program is expected to span multiple decades and will be influenced by economic, political, and geostrategic changes.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expresses pride in the collaboration between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, highlighting the progress made towards shared objectives in the past two years.

Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, delivered remarks at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. emphasizing the commitment to the future through the AUKUS alliance.

In February 2024, the first group of Australian officers entered the submarine officer training pipeline established by Rep. Courtney, beginning their training at the Groton Submarine Base.

On the first anniversary of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway, Rep. Courtney hosted the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Australian Embassy in Connecticut for a forum on AUKUS and its role in deterring threats.

The final Block IV submarine is likely to be commissioned around 2026.

From 2027, up to 4 SSNs will operate from HMAS Stirling in Perth, Western Australia as part of the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West). The submarines will be forward-deployed and rotate in and out of the area, with opportunities for Royal Navy submariners to serve in Australia.

In fiscal 2029, the Navy will begin construction of the Block VII Virginia-class submarine. This new version will return to the original length of the Virginia-class submarines.

By the early 2030s, Australia is expected to be declared 'sovereign ready' for nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement. Training efforts in the U.S. and Australia are being intensified to familiarize Australian sailors and shipbuilding workforce with nuclear submarines.

The first two Virginia submarines are expected to arrive in the Royal Australian Navy fleet around 2032, marking the beginning of the drive towards having 8 submarines in the fleet.

In 2035, the U.S. plans to sell in-service Block IV submarines to Australia. These submarines are currently under construction and are expected to have between six and 15 years of use before being sold.

In 2038, the Navy will sell a new Block VII boat to Australia. This boat is part of the Virginia-class submarines with advanced features.

The first of the AUKUS boats is projected to enter service with Australia in the early 2040s, with the aim of replacing the Virginia class boats as they near decommissioning.

The 'pre loved' Virginia class SSNs are expected to leave service starting from about 2052, after serving for approximately 20 years.

Australia plans to replace the Virginias submarines with AUKUS submarines as part of a long-term naval strategy. The transition is expected to occur after the peak strength is achieved between 2055 and 2065.

The AUKUS build plan is envisioned to continue into the 2060s and beyond, with the goal of maintaining a fleet of 8 boats by replacing older vessels with new AUKUS boats.

The 8th AUKUS submarine may face a delay in entering service as the 3rd Virginia submarine is projected to have sufficient service life until 2071. This scenario may lead to operational adjustments or alternative strategies for the submarine fleet.