UK, Australia to unveil nuclear submarine design during Biden meeting in US

US President Biden could host Prime Ministers Sunak and Albanese at the White House where the allies are expected to announce a proposal for Canberra’s nuclear submarine project

The initiative is part of the Aukus agreement aimed at countering Chinese military power in the Pacific

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The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield docked at an Australian naval base in Perth. File photo: US navy

Published: 9:10am, 3 Feb 2023

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, are planning to go to Washington DC in mid-March potentially to unveil a proposal for Canberra’s nuclear submarine project, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Under plans still being thrashed out, US President Joe Biden could host the British and Australian leaders, and the allies are expected to announce their preferred design to replace Australia’s ageing Collins-class fleet, according to the person.

The three nations are sharing classified military capabilities to allow Australia to construct and deploy new nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific region. The project is part of the so-called Aukus agreement, launched in 2021 as a trilateral alliance to counter Chinese military power in the Pacific.

Australia’s federal parliamentary schedule means Albanese could travel between March 10 and 19, while Sunak’s government’s budget statement on March 15 means he is unlikely to leave the country immediately beforehand.

Sunak’s office said a visit to the US is possible, but said no date had been set and would not confirm any reason for the visit. Neither Albanese’s office nor the White House responded to requests for comment.