SSN AUKUS intended to set foot in Australia by the early 2030s.
Recently, an AUKUS alliance meeting was held in San Diego, California and the member countries made some principal announcements to support Australia’s developing infrastructure, defence, technological capabilities, etc. One of the prime announcements was that the US and UK are going to equip Australia with modern SSN AUKUS class series Nuclear-Powered Submarines by the next 6 to 7 years.
AUKUS is a prime security pact alliance that is signed by three member countries viz. United States, United Kingdom and Australia in the year 2021. Mainly, AUKUS is built to support Australia’s growth in various fields like security, infrastructure, real estate, foreign trade, etc. They also aimed at countering China’s influence and strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Leaders of these countries emphasized that their partnership is rooted in the shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law, and their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Under this agreement, the US will be selling three Virginia class Nuclear-Powered Submarines to Australia, with a plan for two more.
SSN-AUKUS is a leading brand-new submarine class based on UK’s Next-Gen design, primarily grounded on modern technology. It will be built in Britain and Australia with cutting-edge US technologies. There will be Nuclear-Powered Submarines but not Nuclear-Armed. The US shared their Nuclear Propulsion technology for the first time with Britain in the 1950s. Thereafter, the US hasn’t made any agreement or deal to share this technology.
The deal is expected to cost up to a massive A$368 Billion ($245 Billion) by 2055.
“This is not just an important defensive and security concern agreement but as important as a visionary economic plan.” justified Anthony Albanese, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Australia.
PM Albanese also forecasts that the partnership is expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 20,000 individuals, indicating a promising outlook for job growth in the region. The anticipated outcome of this partnership will be a four-year investment of A$6 Billion towards enhancing Australia’s industrial capacity, reflecting a significant commitment towards the country’s economic growth. Approximately, 0.15% of the GDP per year would be the equivalent amount to fund this overall project.
– By Avinash Dighe