Australia is planning to purchase 5 nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines from the United States as part of an emerging landmark defense & security pact widely viewed as a bid to counter China’s military ambitions in the Pacific

According to the AUKUS agreement, at least one US submarine will visit Australian ports in the coming years and, by the late 2030s, and a new class of submarine will be built with UK designs and US technology, an official told Reuters.

During a press conference held in Ahmedabad, India on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on the plan.

Although Albanese refrained from sharing specific information regarding the plan, he highlighted the fact that Australia will maintain complete control and authority over any nuclear-powered submarines procured via the AUKUS partnership, emphasizing the importance of “absolute sovereignty.”

About The Nuclear-Powered Virginia-Class Submarine

Manufacturer: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc

Propulsion: One nuclear reactor, one shaft

Speed: 25+ knots

Crew: 15 officers; 117 enlisted

The Virginia-class submarine is the newest fast attack vessel in the US Navy and was designed to replace the aging Los Angeles-class submarine fleet. Unlike ballistic missile submarines that form part of the US nuclear arsenal, fast attack submarines are capable of utilising a variety of weapons, including cruise missiles and torpedoes.

In addition, the Virginia-class submarines can transport special operations forces and undertake intelligence and reconnaissance operations.

According the Navy the Virginia class subs potential to “operate anywhere, at any time, and contribute to regional stability is due to its nuclear propulsion.

Next week, U.S President Joe Biden will host a meeting with Australia’s ministers and the United Kingdom in California to deliberate on the next stages of the partnership.

It’s also expected that U.S submarines will start to visit Australian ports more frequently in the upcoming years, leading up to the eventual delivery of the new Australian subs.

Since the announcement of the AUKUS partnership in 2021, representatives from the three countries have deliberated on equipping the Royal Australian Navy with nuclear-powered submarines.

Australia will be the seventh nation to possess nuclear-powered submarines that utilise an enriched uranium reactor for propulsion, putting its Navy at par with China.

Other nations currrently operating nuclear-powered submarines include the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, and India.