Key Points and Summary – The United Kingdom has officially begun construction on its next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines, the SSN-AUKUS class, which will replace the current Astute-class fleet.
-Defense contractor Babcock confirmed it has received significant contracts to begin work on long-lead items, including components for the weapon handling and launch systems.
-This marks a key first step in a major defense expansion outlined in the UK’s recent Strategic Defence Review, which calls for building up to 12 of the new conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
-The program is a cornerstone of the AUKUS security pact between the UK, US, and Australia.
SSN-AUKUS: Britain Begins Building New Nuclear Submarines
Construction has officially begun on the United Kingdom’s new nuclear-powered attack submarine. The SSN-AUKUS, a class of new nuclear-powered submarines that will be fielded by the British Royal Navy and Australian Royal Navy in the 2030s and 2040s respectively, will be built by London-based defense and nuclear engineering services company Babcock.
While it is the primary beneficiary of new contracts with the British government, multiple other British defense firms are expected to contribute to the design, supply chain, and construction of the new fleet of submarines.
The new class of submarines, which will be armed with conventional weapons, will replace the United Kingdom’s Astute-class vessels.
Construction begins on key components of the new submarine as European nations join their NATO allies in committing to spending 5% GDP on defense and related infrastructure.
Babcock confirmed that construction was underway in an annual report for the year ending 31 March 2025, noting that it had obtained “two significant contracts” with the British government in FY25.
“These included a contract for Long Lead Items for the Astute replacement, Submersible Ship Nuclear AUKUS (SSNA), enabling us to place orders for the first elements of the Weapon Handling and Launch system,” the update revealed.
Britain Expands Defense Investment
On June 1, the British government announced plans to expand its submarine program in response to a strategic defense review. 10 Downing Street confirmed that up to 12 attack submarines will be manufactured as part of the AUKUS program “in response to the rapidly increasing threats,” and that the plans build on a £15 billion ($20 billion USD) investment in the country’s sovereign nuclear warhead program.
“Nuclear investments will transform critical parts of the defence nuclear industry, directly supporting 30,000 highly skilled jobs up-and-down the country and the doubling of apprentice and graduate roles across the next ten years,” the statement explained.
Increased spending on the SSN-AUKUS program will see a dramatic expansion of operations at the Rolls-Royce Raynesway plant in Derby, England.
The Rolls-Royce site will provide the nuclear reactor plants expected to power the new fleet of attack submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement between the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom.
The expansion of Britain’s maritime deterrence and defense capabilities will be joined by increased procurement of munitions and support equipment.
Plans are also underway to ensure that the United Kingdom can rapidly scale its production capacities in the event of a new military conflict on the continent.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
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