BAE Systems and ASC to build nuclear submarines for Australia

The announcement from Australian deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, and UK defence secretary, Grant Shapps is the latest significant development in the AUKUS trilateral security pact between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia and the UK will operate a common submarine, incorporating technology from all three nations and based on the UK’s next generation design that BAE Systems is leading.

BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd will now bring together their complementary skills, expertise and capabilities under a collaborative arrangement in Australia, ultimately leading to the establishment of a long-term, incorporated Joint Venture.

In a statement, BAE Systems chief executive, Charles Woodburn, said: “We’re already making good progress on the design and development of the next generation submarine in the UK where we have more than 1,000 people working on the SSN-AUKUS programme and major infrastructure investment underway.

“This latest step will ensure an integral connection between the UK design and the build strategy development in Australia as we work together to deliver next generation military capability as well as considerable social and economic value to all three nations.”