Early images connected to the AUKUS-SSN show the direction that the design could head in, featuring a hybrid of the US and UK’s existing in-service SSNs. Credit: BAE Systems

The recently appointed UK Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the commitment to the AUKUS partnership on behalf of the new UK Government, during a tour of the Sheffield Forgemasters steelworks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, announced the Ministry of Defence on 16 July 2024.

“Working with allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to host my Australian counterpart within my first fortnight as Defence Secretary. The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through AUKUS is testament to this,” said Healey.

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“Be it under the defence and security cooperation agreement, or the work we continue to achieve under AUKUS, we are modernising our partnership,” said Marles. “And importantly, we continue to work together on our support for Ukraine and to support a global rules-based order.”

Commitment to continuing in the AUKUS partnership with the USA and Australia was a central element of the Labour Manifesto at the 2024 UK General Election, reflecting both the strategic advantage derived from AUKUS, and the influence in stimulating the UK economy via associated defence contracts. 

It is expected the at the AUKUS submarine programme alone will generate 7,000 UK jobs, ultimately expected to rise to 21,000 people working in the UK supply chain on conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarines for SSN-AUKUS programmes.

Sheffield Forgemasters is a manufacturer of specialist steel parts, and is wholly owned by the UK Ministry of Defence, following a £900m investment to equip and sustain a workforce of 650 skilled workers, with funding from the infrastructure coming from both the the UK and Australian governments. Sheffield Forgemasters will manufacture highly complex, nuclear grade steel for components in nuclear-armed submarines, as well as for the SSN-AUKUS vessels. 

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“Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community. This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain,” said Healey.