Overview
Based on the UK’s next-generation nuclear-powered submarine design, SSN-AUKUS is leveraging the best of submarine technology from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Combining world-leading design, sensors and weaponry in one vessel, SSN-AUKUS will be a common submarine operated by the UK Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
Design
BAE Systems is leading the design of the SSN-AUKUS submarines from Barrow-In-Furness, UK, building on learnings from the Astute class and Dreadnought class programs.
We have a proud history of designing, building, testing and commissioning submarines for the UK Royal Navy, with more than 60 years of nuclear submarine building experience.
In 2023 the UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a £3.95bn contract to progress the detailed design of the SSN-AUKUS submarines, as well as to procure long-lead items and make significant infrastructure investments at our Barrow-in-Furness site to support the program.
SSN-AUKUS build programs
United Kingdom
BAE Systems will commence construction of the UK’s first SSN-AUKUS in Barrow-in-Furness, as early as the late 2020s.
SSN-AUKUS will start to replace the Astute class from the late 2030s and be the largest, most powerful and advanced attack submarines the UK Royal Navy has ever operated.
Australia
In 2024 the Australian Government selected BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd as sovereign submarine build partners to jointly build Australia’s new fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
The first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS will be delivered at the future submarine construction yard in Osborne, South Australia. It is the Commonwealth of Australia’s intention that Australia will begin building its first SSN-AUKUS before the end of the 2020s and that the Royal Australian Navy will receive its first SSN-AUKUS submarine in the early 2040s.
Opportunities for Australian industry
Australia
The SSN-AUKUS program will offer significant opportunities for Australian industry to participate in the construction and sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines both in Australia and the UK, as we work together with our AUKUS partners to drive industrial uplift in support of our trilateral nuclear-powered submarine programs.
Australian businesses can register their interest, showcase their capabilities and access upcoming opportunities via the SSN-AUKUS Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway.
Careers
Developing an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability will be a whole-of-nation undertaking, creating thousands of jobs over the next 30 years.
In Barrow, we are continuing to invest in skills and education to ensure they grow at pace and we scale early careers to drive resilience.
View current job openings or register to hear about upcoming opportunities via our careers website.