
The Australian government on Friday released a new document setting out its vision for the future submarine industrial base, including planning for about $19 billion needed to prepare the domestic industrial base to support submarine programs and ultimately build AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). Australia's acquisition of SSN capabilities is “one of the most consequential endeavors undertaken in our nation’s history…Developing the ability to build, sustain and operate conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is also one of the most significant industrial undertakings…