While Seoul has obtained Trump’s approval to build (in the USA) its first atomic-powered submarine unit, in an anti-Pyongyang perspective, Australia is trying to accelerate the program for the Aukus class vessels. These are the consequences of the Chinese threat.
For the Australian Navy, the conversion from current Collins-class diesel-electric submarines to those equipped with nuclear propulsion must accelerate. This is a two-phase plan that first involves operations with Virginia-class vessels ceded by the United States, then the transition to those of the Aukus Class designed by Bae System and built partly in Australia in collaboration with the United Kingdom. And, in the immediate term, there will be a ten-year operational life extension for Collins-class submarines such as HMAS Farncomb. This choice triggered a harsh reaction from France for the cancellation of the supply contract for other submarines with hybrid engines.
The Chinese threat
Australia needs to counter Beijing’s expansionist policy in the Pacificwith its fleet of military and militia ships (including armed fishing boats) increasingly distant from territorial waters and with ambitions to control various archipelagos. And there has been no shortage of episodes of great danger, like the one that happened last month: A Chinese military aircraft had fired flares dangerously close to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane, appearing aggressive as Beijing’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea dictates. Although there were no injuries or damage, Australia and its allies and partners say China’s aggressive moves invite mistakes that could lead to a confrontation. In November 2023, a diver freeing the propellers of an Australian Navy vessel was injured when a
Beijing claims the South China Sea
This is because China claims most of the resource-rich sea as its territory, despite a 2016 ruling issued by an international court put in black and white that Beijing had no legal basis to assert its sovereignty. Therefore the strengthening of the Australian submarine fleet has become a priority and during the Indo-Pacific 2025 naval exhibition, held in Sydney from 4 to 6 November, it emerged that agreements are reportedly underway to accelerate the Ssn-Aukus programabove all trying to define who will create the combat systems of the new fleet within a group of companies including the English BAE Systems, the American General Dynamics Mission Systems, Raytheon Australia and the European Thales.
The role of companies and industrial partners
On the table there would be a command system evolved from General Dynamics’ An/Byg-1, i.e. the one already installed on the six Australian Collins-class submarines. A few weeks ago President Donald Trump confirmed the US commitment to the Aukus programalbeit reviewing the terms to increase investments destined for the US industry, since also The United States is motivated to ensure that the next generation of nuclear submarines have the best capabilities, including the ability to launch cruise missiles. And for this reason, defense actors such as HII and Babcock have been in action for some time, creating a joint venture called H&B Defense in June 2024.
Rolls-Royce’s contribution
In the meantime, Rolls-Royce, the only private company in the world to produce nuclear reactors for submarines, is supplying PWR3+ power plants for US SSN-Aukus vessels and offers the same but improved product for the Australian Navy with the possibility of greater operational flexibility and higher levels of safety. But this can only be done by September next year.
South Korea joins the atomic club
In the meantime, South Korea has received Washington’s approval to build its first nuclear-powered submarine. Trump, in a post on the social network Truth, added that this unit will be built in the Korean Hanwha Philly shipyard located in Philadelphia (USA). Consent is not needed so much for weapons, but for the possibility of purchasing fuel for this and future nuclear submarines. However, it is true that the agreement is yet to be finalized and any technology transfer will have to be approved by the US Congress.
