On October 1st, UK businesses achieved a remarkable feat as they secured contracts worth £4 billion for the design and manufacture of the world’s most advanced submarines. The signing of the Detailed Design and Long Leads (D2L2) Phase contracts with BAE Systems (BAES), Rolls-Royce, and Babcock is a significant milestone not only for the UK but also for the trilateral AUKUS program. These contracts pave the way for the construction of the future class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS.
The £4 billion in contracts will facilitate the program’s progression through the design, prototyping, and procurement of main long-lead components for the first UK submarines. This, in turn, will enable construction to commence in the coming years, ensuring the stability and resilience of the domestic supply chain.
Drawing upon over 60 years of British expertise in designing, building, and operating nuclear-powered submarines, the D2L2 contracts are expected to support thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK. This demonstrates how the AUKUS program aligns with the Prime Minister’s priority of economic growth.
In addition to design development and long-lead procurement, the infrastructure at the submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness and the nuclear reactor manufacturing site in Raynesway, Derby, will be expanded as necessary to meet the future submarine build program’s requirements.
The primary goal is to have the first UK submarines in service in the late 2030s, replacing the current Astute-Class vessels. Subsequently, the first Australian submarines are expected to enter service in the early 2040s. These submarines will be the Royal Navy’s largest, most advanced, and most powerful attack submarines, integrating world-leading sensors, design, and weaponry into a single vessel.
The construction of the UK’s submarines will primarily take place in Barrow-in-Furness. Simultaneously, Australia will work over the next decade to bolster its submarine industrial base, ultimately constructing its submarines in Australia, with Rolls-Royce supplying nuclear reactors for both UK and Australian submarines.
This remarkable achievement not only strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in advanced submarine technology but also underscores the significance of international collaboration in defense and technological innovation. The future SSN-AUKUS submarines represent a leap forward in naval capability, promising enhanced security and defense for the UK and its allies.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
