U.S. accelerates AUKUS submarine production for Australia

On June 10, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to lawmakers in Washington about submarine delays. He aimed to calm growing concerns over slow progress in delivering submarines to Australia under the AUKUS pact.

The U.S., UK, and Australia signed the AUKUS agreement in 2021 to boost regional security. Under this pact, the U.S. promised to provide advanced nuclear submarines to strengthen Australia’s naval power.

However, delays at American shipyards have raised doubts about the timeline and reliability of the program. As frustration grew, Hegseth reassured lawmakers the U.S. remains committed to fulfilling its AUKUS obligations.

He also stressed that efforts are underway to resolve bottlenecks and speed up production timelines. The AUKUS alliance reflects a shared vision to counter threats across the Indo-Pacific region.

Importantly, the agreement goes beyond submarines and includes cooperation on AI, cyber warfare, and hypersonic weapons. For Australia, the highlight is purchasing at least three Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. within 15 years.

U.S. and UK

Eventually, Australia plans to build its own nuclear-powered fleet with help from the U.S. and UK. This shift marks a major leap for a country with no previous nuclear submarine experience.

Over the next 30 years, Australia will invest up to $235 billion to develop these capabilities. Ultimately, this move boosts Australia’s maritime presence in a region vital to global stability.

The Virginia-class submarine, a critical asset in this transaction, is a cutting-edge, nuclear-powered attack submarine built for versatility and stealth. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, these vessels are approximately 377 feet long, weigh 7,800 tonnes when submerged, and can travel at speeds greater than 25 knots.

They are powered by a nuclear reactor and do not need to be refueled for decades, providing unparalleled endurance. The Virginia class, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Mark 48 torpedoes, and advanced sonar systems, excels at anti-submarine warfare, land attack, and intelligence gathering.

The United States Navy currently operates 24 of these submarines, with more under construction, but shipyards face challenges in meeting a production target of two per year to meet domestic demand.

Type 095 submarines

Russia’s Yasen-class submarines provide comparable stealth and firepower to other global powers, while China’s Type 095 submarines are rapidly advancing, indicating a growing naval arms race in the Indo-Pacific.

Delays in production have raised concerns, with American shipbuilders struggling to keep up. General Dynamics Electric Boat, based in Connecticut, and Huntington Ingalls Industries, with facilities in Virginia, are experiencing skilled labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and capacity constraints.

These issues have hampered the United States. The Navy’s own goals have prompted critics to question the wisdom of exporting submarines to Australia before addressing domestic shortfalls.

The concern is not new in the United States. For years, production of Virginia-class submarines has lagged behind Navy targets, with the Congressional Budget Office reporting in 2023 that shipyards delivered vessels at a rate of 1.2 to 1.8 per year, well below the desired two. This bottleneck now jeopardizes the AUKUS timeline, as Australia expects its first submarines in the early 2030s.

streamline supply chains

Hegseth addressed members of the U.S. The House of Representatives acknowledged the challenges but emphasized active measures to overcome them. 

He told lawmakers that his team works with shipbuilders on a daily basis to ensure that their needs are met and any shortfalls are addressed. The defense secretary emphasized efforts to improve workforce training, streamline supply chains, and increase shipyard capacity.

Australia has already committed $2 billion by the end of 2025 to support US submarine shipyards to speed up production of the three Virginia-class ships scheduled for delivery beginning in 2032.

This financial pledge demonstrates Canberra’s determination to see the deal through, even as uncertainties remain.

The stakes for Australia are significant. Australia bases its defense strategy on replacing its aging Collins-class diesel-electric submarines, built in the 1990s.

These six vessels, which measure 253 feet and weigh 3,400 tonnes submerged, have performed admirably but lack the endurance and stealth of nuclear-powered alternatives.

Collins’s class

The Collins class struggles to project power across the vast Indo-Pacific, as its range is limited by fuel and its top speed is only 20 knots.

Transitioning to Virginia-class submarines promises a significant increase in capability, which includes longer patrols, deeper dives, and more firepower to deter potential threats.

However, any delay risks leaving Australia with a capability gap, particularly if the Collins class must operate beyond its scheduled service life.

During the session, lawmakers questioned Hegseth’s priorities. Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, criticized the Pentagon’s decision to move the $3.1 billion earmarked for Columbia-class submarine construction in 2026 to later years, potentially straining shipyard resources.

The Columbia class, which is intended to replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, is critical to US nuclear deterrence because it carries Trident missiles and provides a second-strike capability.

DeLauro and others argued that diverting funds could jeopardize national security and complicate the AUKUS commitment.

AUKUS Agreement

Hegseth countered that the Department of Defense is working to balance both programs, stating that dialogue with shipbuilders is ongoing to address bottlenecks.

The AUKUS agreement, announced in September 2021, was a major change in Australia’s defense posture. Historically, the country relied on diesel-electric submarines and strong ties with the United States and the United Kingdom for security.

The decision to pursue nuclear-powered submarines, a technology previously only available to six countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, and India—reflected growing concerns about regional stability.

Australia signed the agreement due to its key location in the Indo-Pacific, a region facing growing security tensions. Specifically, territorial disputes and rising naval activity have made regional stability increasingly fragile.

The United States and the United Kingdom, on the other hand, saw the agreement as an opportunity to fortify their alliances and regional deterrence.

They hoped to counter assertive actions, especially in the South China Sea and near Taiwan. However, critics have voiced concerns about the pact’s long-term risks and strategic costs. In Washington, some question why the U.S. would share nuclear propulsion technology so openly.

U.S. fleet

Many are also concerned about diverting submarines at a time when the U.S. fleet is already under stress. The U.S. Navy aims to maintain 66 attack submarines for global readiness and deterrence.

Yet, current production levels and maintenance challenges complicate achieving that goal. The situation makes it difficult to strike a balance between U.S. naval requirements and AUKUS commitments.

If the delays continue, the sale of three Virginia-class boats to Australia could reduce US operational strength, lawmakers have warned.

Aside from domestic concerns, China has condemned AUKUS, accusing the group of undermining nuclear nonproliferation and inciting an arms race.

Australia has clarified that the submarines will be conventionally armed, not nuclear-armed, in accordance with international treaties.

Hegseth’s assurances come amid broader debates over defense spending and regional cooperation. Earlier this month, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Defense Secretary urged allies, including Australia, to increase military budgets to counter emerging threats. He suggested that Australia increase spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, up from the projected 2.33 percent in 2033-34.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who met Hegseth on the sidelines, expressed openness to the discussion but stressed that Canberra would make its own policy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to AUKUS while emphasizing national priorities.

The path forward remains uncertain. Accelerating US production requires significant investment in shipyards, labor, and materials, which are already underway but are taking time to yield results.

Meanwhile, Australia is preparing for a long-term shift, with plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarines in the 2040s through AUKUS, a collaboration with the UK.

The SSN-AUKUS design, a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine custom-made for both countries, is the next step.

The UK has pledged to have its first boats operational by the late 2030s, but its major projects agency has labelled plans to build nuclear reactor cores as “unachievable,” raising similar concerns in Australia.

Australia’s strategy

The delays cast a pall over AUKUS, a treaty heralded as a game changer for Indo-Pacific security. The submarines are a critical component of Australia’s strategy for projecting power, protecting trade routes, and deterring aggression in a contested region.

The United States’ commitment to daily coordination with shipbuilders demonstrates resolve, but timelines and priorities remain unclear.

The AUKUS partnership, a trilateral defense pact between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, is set to provide advanced nuclear-powered submarines to strengthen Australia’s naval forces.

At the heart of this initiative are two submarine types: the Virginia-class, a proven workhorse designed in the United States Navy, and the upcoming SSN-AUKUS, a next-generation vessel that combines technologies from all three nations.

These conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines promise to improve Australia’s maritime capabilities by providing stealth, endurance, and firepower for missions ranging from surveillance to strike operations.

Here’s a detailed look at these cutting-edge platforms and the sophisticated equipment that powers their performance.

General Dynamics

The Virginia class, officially the SSN-774 class, represents the U.S. Navy’s premier nuclear-powered attack submarine. This class, designed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, made its debut in 2004 with the USS Virginia.

These vessels, which measure 377 feet in length and weigh 7,800 tonnes when submerged, are powered by a single S9G nuclear reactor, a compact yet powerful system developed by General Electric.

The nuclear reactor propels the submarine at speeds over 25 knots without needing fuel for 30 years. As a result, the vessel gains nearly unlimited range, ideal for extended underwater missions.

Engineers built the hull from high-strength steel, allowing it to dive deeper than 800 feet. Therefore, the submarine hides easily in ocean depths, perfect for covert operations.

Meanwhile, the Virginia class evolved through five blocks, each improving design and performance. Block I, starting with USS Virginia, introduced 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk land-attack missiles.

Then, Block II launched with USS Texas in 2006, focusing on simpler, more cost-effective construction. In 2014, Block III debuted on USS North Dakota, replacing 12 tubes with two larger payload tubes.

USS Vermont

Each tube in Block III holds six Tomahawks, offering better flexibility and firepower. Block IV began with USS Vermont in 2020, extending service life and reducing maintenance needs.

Recently, Block V introduced the Virginia Payload Module, an 84-foot hull extension for added firepower.

This module adds four large tubes that can launch seven Tomahawks or future hypersonic weapons each. Overall, Block V boats carry up to 40 Tomahawks, enhancing the submarine’s strike capabilities.

Australia expects to receive Block IV submarines by the early 2030s due to their proven reliability. These subs balance combat strength with manageable costs, making them ideal for Australia’s needs.

The Virginia class also packs powerful armament for undersea warfare and land strikes. Midships, four 21-inch tubes fire the Mark 48 Advanced Capability torpedo at 55 knots. Each torpedo reaches over 24 miles and can destroy ships and submarines alike.

AN/BQQ-10

Meanwhile, vertical launch systems deploy Tomahawk missiles, accurate weapons with a 1,000-mile range. The submarine’s sonar suite includes the AN/BQQ-10, with a spherical array in the bow. It also has a chin-mounted high-frequency sonar for navigating minefields or icy waters.

At the same time, towed sonar arrays detect distant sounds, helping track enemy subs. For defense, the AN/WLY-1 system jams incoming sonar, keeping the vessel hidden.

Modern photonic masts with cameras and infrared sensors replace traditional periscopes for stealthy surface viewing.

The SSN-AUKUS, a new class, is expected to succeed the UK’s Astute-class and Australia’s Collins-class submarines. BAE Systems initiated a trilateral development in 2018 to build on the UK’s next-generation Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement design.

This submarine, which is expected to enter service for the United Kingdom in the late 2030s and Australia in the early 2040s, will displace more than 10,000 tonnes submerged, ma

king it larger than the Virginia class. Its hull, which is still being designed, will most likely incorporate advanced alloys for deeper dives and greater resilience.

SSN-AUKUS

Rolls-Royce, a UK leader, will supply the pressurized water reactor, a variation on its PWR3 design that promises efficiency and quiet operation—essential for avoiding detection.

Unlike other models, the SSN-AUKUS incorporates technology from all three AUKUS partners. The United States contributes propulsion components and a common vertical launch system, similar to the Virginia-class setup for Tomahawk missiles.

The combat system, an evolved AN/BYG-1 shared with the US and Australian fleets, processes sonar, radar, and targeting data to direct weapons precisely.

Armament will include Mark 48 torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, but a key feature is the possibility of a dedicated vertical launch system, a first for UK-designed submarines, allowing for rapid missile salvos against land or sea targets. This aligns with US systems and ensures interoperability among AUKUS navies.

The equipment on the SSN-AUKUS is designed for versatility. Advanced sonar arrays, likely conformal designs that wrap around the hull, will improve detection in noisy coastal waters or open oceans.

Intelligence-gathering tools, such as signals intercept systems, will intercept enemy communications to aid in surveillance missions.

Virginia Class

The submarines will carry countermeasures, such as decoys launched from external tubes, to confuse hostile torpedoes. The design prioritizes automation to ease the crew’s workload by managing navigation, propulsion, and maintenance through software.

As a result, it may require fewer than 130 crew members, unlike the larger Virginia-class submarines. Designers applied lessons from the Virginia class, which already had a reduced crew compared to the older Los Angeles class.

Globally, the Virginia class competes with Russia’s 13,800-tonne Yasen class, which carries 40 cruise missiles. Although powerful, Russia builds few Yasen-class subs due to high cost and technical complexity.

Meanwhile, China’s Type 095 aims for stealth and speed but lacks combat-proven experience like U.S. designs. In contrast, the UK’s Astute class weighs 7,400 tonnes and carries 38 advanced weapons.

It includes Spearfish torpedoes and performs well in shallow coastal zones. Notably, the SSN-AUKUS design will build upon and enhance these proven capabilities for future missions.

France’s Barracuda class, a nuclear option that Australia considered, has a smaller 5,300-tonne profile but fewer missiles. The SSN-AUKUS, which combines US and UK strengths, promises a significant step forward, tailored to Australia’s vast Pacific needs.

Conclusion

Construction of both classes is a massive undertaking. Virginia-class boats are built in shipyards in Connecticut and Virginia, while Australia’s three to five units are existing or new.

The SSN-AUKUS will be built at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, a joint effort between BAE Systems and ASC, and at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

These nuclear-free submarines comply with nonproliferation treaties while providing unparalleled endurance and stealth. As AUKUS progresses, these ships and their cutting-edge systems will shape naval power for decades, allowing Australia to patrol, deter, and defend on a global scale.

References

• DoD – AUKUS Updates – defense.gov/aukus
• CBO – Submarine Procurement Report – cbo.gov/subs 
• Royal Australian Navy – AUKUS Transition – navy.gov.au/aukus
• General Dynamics – Virginia-Class Subs – gdeb.com/virginia
• Huntington Ingalls – Sub Programs – hii.com/subs
• Australian DoD – Nuclear Sub Program – defence.gov.au/submarines
• UK MoD – SSN-AUKUS Program – gov.uk/ssn-aukus
• The Diplomat – Australia’s AUKUS Plans – thediplomat.com/aukus
• Breaking Defence—AUKUS Timeline Issues—breakingdefense.com/aukus
• BBC – AUKUS Pact Overview – bbc.com/aukus