The Australian Government has launched the AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, providing clarity for Australian businesses to invest in the AUKUS supply chains.  

The strategy is supported by the Albanese Government's commitment of A$262m, ($165m) which is part of the broader investment in Australia's nuclear-powered submarine programme under the AUKUS pact, announced earlier in the year. 

The AUKUS pact, a trilateral agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, was announced in September 2021.  

Australia's AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy outlines plan to enhance military and industrial capabilities, aligning with the optimal pathway from March 2023.  

It focuses on building sovereign industrial capacity to deliver, operate, and maintain future nuclear-powered submarines while upgrading the existing Collins class until their retirement. 

The strategy aims to guide the creation of an Australian submarine industrial base that can support a multi-class submarine capability aligned with the nation's defence needs. 

It highlights the prioritisation framework that will enable Australian suppliers to confidently invest in their capabilities, creating long-term, stable job opportunities.  

It also acknowledges the challenges ahead and outlines targeted and scalable investments across five key areas to overcome these obstacles.  

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy sets out how the Albanese Government will continue to implement initiatives and programs to support, guide and grow priority industry sectors, alongside our AUKUS partners.  

“Our work does not stop here. As a multi-decade, multi-generational undertaking which will create around 20,000 jobs across the country, the strategy will continue to evolve in line with industry and capability requirements as the AUKUS pathway progresses.” 

The AUKUS partnership is expected to generate approximately 20,000 direct jobs over the next three decades in various sectors, including construction, design, and maintenance roles across South Australia and Western Australia. 

Outlined within the strategy are five lines of effort to promote Australian industry uplift. 

These are clarifying industry demand, enhancing investment attractiveness in critical sectors, streamlining regulations, expanding the skilled workforce, and integrating Australian industry into the US and UK supply chains.  

The AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy forms a part of the larger initiative to upgrade the sovereign maritime industrial base, as detailed in the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan.  

The strategy will undergo continuous refinement and updates in response to industry developments and key milestones within the optimal pathway.