
UK to train Australian sailors on its nuclear submarines as Aukus deal forges ahead
- The naval officers would train on the newly commissioned HMS Anson Astute-class nuclear submarine
- Under the Aukus pact, London and Washington agreed to help Canberra build and operate its own fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines by 2040
Marles said in a statement on Thursday that Australia was “working hand in glove” with the UK on building the skills which would allow them to one day field their own fleet of nuclear submarines. The time line for the training wasn’t disclosed.
“The technology, capability and lethality on show is truly impressive and Australia looks forward to progressing our talks through the Aukus partnership,” Marles said.
Australia, the UK and the US struck a pact in September last year to deepen defence ties and increase sharing of intelligence and technology in the face of growing competition from China in the Asia-Pacific.
Under the deal, known as Aukus, the UK and the US agreed to help Australia build and operate its own fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines by 2040, greatly increasing Canberra’s military reach.
While the training of Australian sailors is the next step toward fulfilling the Aukus agreement, many details still have to be resolved. Australia has yet to announce whether it will model its submarines on the UK or the US models or when the new vessels might be ready for service.
Marles said in June it would be “optimistic in the extreme” to expect the submarines to be ready by 2030.

