SUBMARINES (SHIPS) – UNITED STATES – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Australia won’t receive AUKUS nuclear submarines unless US doubles shipbuilding, admiral warns

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Original article by Ben Doherty
The Guardian Australia – Page: Online : 29-Jul-25

The rate of construction of Virginia-class submarines is currently about 1.13 per year. This is well below the US Navy’s estimate that two of the nuclear-powered vessels will need to be built each year to meet its own needs, and 2.33 per year to supply vessels to Australia via the AUKUS alliance. US Admiral Daryl Caudle has told a Senate committee that a "100% improvement" in the shipbuilding rate will be necessary if the US is to sell any of the vessels to Australia. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says there is a "very, very high" chance that Australia will never buy a Virginia-class submarine; he has questioned the federal government’s lack of a ‘plan B’, given that AUKUS-class vessels will not enter service until the 2040s.

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UNITED STATES NAVY, UNITED STATES. SENATE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

AUKUS subs construction delayed by years: US navy

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Original article by Adam Creighton
The Australian – Page: Online : 4-Apr-24

The federal government’s deal to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines via the AUKUS alliance is under renewed scrutiny following revelations that the construction of Virginia-class vessels is 2-3 years behind schedule. An internal investigation by the US Navy has found that work on building every class of vessel is behind schedule at present, while deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell notes that the submarines program is continuing to be affected by supply-chain disruptions arising from the pandemic. Campbell has also downplayed concerns about the future of the AUKUS alliance if Donald Trump wins the presidential election.

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UNITED STATES NAVY