Australian Naval Institute

21 September 2024

Source: https://navalinstitute.com.au/boundary-pushing-snn-aukus/

HMS Astute pulling into Stirling naval base (Fleet Base West) in Perth, Australia.

The UK’s upcoming fleet of submarines, the SSN-AUKUS, promises to push the boundaries of naval warfare when it enters service in the late 2030s, UK Defence Journal reports. 

This new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, developed in partnership with the U.S and Australia under the AUKUS security pact, is set to replace the UK’s Astute-class and Australia’s Collins-class submarines.

Originally conceived as the UK’s Astute-class replacement programme, named the Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR), the SSN-AUKUS project took on a new dimension in March 2023 when Australia joined the effort.

This expansion incorporated advanced US technology into the design, making the SSN-AUKUS a symbol of trilateral collaboration between the UK, US, and Australia.

From a technical standpoint, the SSN-AUKUS submarines will be a big change in capability. 

Powered by Rolls-Royce’s state-of-the-art pressurised water reactors (PWR), these submarines will be larger and more versatile than their predecessors. With a displacement of over 10,000 tonnes, they will have significant space for advanced systems, allowing for longer missions and greater operational effectiveness.

Nuclear propulsion system will enable them to operate underwater for extended periods, crucial for long-range operations in contested waters.

One of the key upgrades in the SSN-AUKUS design is the likely incorporation of a vertical launch system (VLS) for land-attack missiles. Unlike previous Royal Navy submarines, which launch missiles via torpedo tubes, the VLS will allow for quicker and more flexible missile launches.

This capability will bring the SSN-AUKUS in line with US submarines, enhancing interoperability between the UK and US navies. This system will also allow the submarines to carry and deploy advanced long-range cruise missiles, adding a new dimension to their offensive potential.