The newly signed Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion was tabled in the Australian Parliament today.
This agreement is a key element in the ongoing communication and cooperation necessary for the successful transfer of submarine-specific material and equipment from the UK and the US to Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP highlighted the significance of this agreement in advancing Australia’s defense capabilities. “This agreement is an important step towards Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy,” His words reflect the careful and strategic communication that has been vital in securing this international collaboration.
The agreement not only facilitates the transfer of critical technology and materials but also ensures the continued exchange of information related to nuclear-powered submarines among the AUKUS partners. This ongoing dialogue is central to Australia’s plan to acquire a sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability by the 2030s. Key to this plan is the transfer of Virginia class submarines from the US and equipment from the UK for Australia’s future SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles emphasised the broader implications of this partnership, noting, “It builds on the significant progress that has already been achieved, including the passing of the US National Defense Authorisation Act, the announcement of Australia’s sovereign submarine build and sustainment partners, and the ongoing work to integrate and uplift the industrial bases of all three AUKUS partners.” These remarks underscore how coordinated communication between nations is fostering progress in defense and industrial collaboration.
It will also enable Australia to prepare for Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling from 2027, supporting the rotational presence of up to four Virginia class submarines from the US and one Astute class submarine from the UK.
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Consistent with the commitment of AUKUS partners, the agreement will see Australia uphold the highest standards for safety, security and non-proliferation.
Future SSN-AUKUS submarines will be built at Osborne in South Australia, using sealed, welded power units that will not require refuelling over the life cycle of the submarine.
Australia is committed to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The agreement expressly rules out enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel in Australia as part of AUKUS and prevents AUKUS partners undertaking any activity that would contravene international non-proliferation obligations.
Importantly, the agreement re-affirms, and is consistent with Australia’s international non-proliferation obligations, including under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and our safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
As a responsible nuclear steward, Australia will manage all waste generated by its own Virginia class and SSN-AUKUS submarines. Australia will not process spent nuclear fuel or reactors from the US, UK or other countries.
The agreement will replace the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement, which entered into force in 2022.
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