Overview

• Australia is set to acquire three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. by the early 2030s and will eventually develop its own SSN-AUKUS submarines with the U.K.
• In August 2024, Australian sailors performed maintenance on a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in Australia for the first time, marking a key milestone.
• The AUKUS partnership's Pillar II focuses on advanced capabilities like AI, quantum technologies, cyber, hypersonics, and electronic warfare.
• The U.S. has amended export control regulations to facilitate secure, license-free defense trade with AUKUS partners, boosting innovation and industrial collaboration.
• Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand are in consultations to explore involvement in AUKUS, particularly in advanced technology projects under Pillar II.