AUKUS agreement

In March 2023, Australia, the UK and the US agreed to the Optimal Pathway. Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines is the single biggest investment in our defence capability in our history and represents a transformational moment for our nation, our Defence Force and our economy. All three AUKUS partners continue to make strong progress.

Optimal Pathway begins 

AUKUS partners identify the Optimal Pathway that will enable Australia to safely and securely operate and sustain its own conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarine capability.

First SSN visit 

US Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Asheville (SSN 758) completes the first SSN visit to HMAS Stirling following the announcement of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway.

Australian Submarine Agency established

The Australian Submarine Agency is established as the entity responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.

Submarine construction yard work begins 

Preliminary enabling work commences at the Nuclear Powered Submarine Construction Yard in South Australia.

Shipbuilding and sustainment partners selected 

Australia selects ASC Pty Ltd and BAE Systems to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines and ASC Pty Ltd as Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine sustainment partner.

Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period

The Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period occurs at HMAS Stirling, marking the first time Australian personnel directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. The month-long visit by USS Hawaii (SSN-776), was supported by a tender ship, the USS Emory S. Land (AS-29).

Priority works start at HMAS Stirling 

Construction begins on priority facilities at HMAS Stirling to support rotations of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines and for Australia’s sovereign SSNs.

Skills and Training Academy 

Ground works commence at the site for the Skills and Training Academy Campus at Osborne, South Australia.

AUSSQ Pilot launched 

The Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot (AUSSQ) launches to accelerate the identification and qualification of Australian suppliers and products into the US submarine industrial base.

Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy 

The Australian Government launches Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, providing greater clarity to industry to grow and enter AUKUS supply chains.

Henderson Defence Precinct 

The Australian Government announces $12 billion of investment towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS in Western Australia.

Regulator established 

The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR)(Opens in a new tab/window) was set up as Australia’s independent regulator for naval nuclear propulsion. It’s mission is to protect the environment and people by providing independent assurance for nuclear safety of Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine program, while supporting Australia’s Defence interests and the AUKUS partnership

Submarine Maintenance Period 

Australian personnel carry out a complex package of maintenance work on USS Vermont (SSN-792), a US Virginia class submarine, visiting HMAS Stirling in preparation for Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West).

First Australian company qualified through DIVQ 

First Australian company qualified under the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program to create opportunities for Australian businesses to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines.

Funding for Osborne Submarine Construction Yard

The Australian Government announces it will invest $3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne.

First UK SSN Submarine Maintenance Period

The first maintenance period on a UK nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia is carried out on the Royal Navy’s HMS Anson during a visit to HMAS Stirling.

SRF-West starts 

UK and US conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines begin a rotational presence in Australia known as SRF-West. SRF-West provides Australia with the experience and skills required to operate our own future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

AUKUS-class submarine construction underway 

Construction on the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS submarine begins at the Osborne Naval shipyard in Adelaide.

Australia’s first nuclear-powered submarine delivered 

Australia receives its first Virginia Class SSN from the US. This acquisition will eliminate any capability gap and increase the three AUKUS nations’ ability to deter aggression and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo‑Pacific region.

SSN-AUKUS delivered 

The first Australian-built, SSN-AUKUS submarine delivered.

Full fleet capability 

Australia continues to build, sustain and operate our sovereign fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, in partnership with the US and UK, contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.