On Thursday 16 September 2021, the Prime Ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom, and the President of the United States of America announced their initiation of the AKUS (Australia, United Kingdom and United States of America) co-operation agreement to provide Australia with nuclear powered submarines.

These nuclear powered conventionally armed submarines are also referred to as Attack Submarines or SSN.

"Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed to a phased approach that delivers on the commitments of the Albanese Government and provides significant, long-term strategic benefits for all three countries. For Australia, the three key elements are: Increased visits of US submarines commencing in 2023 and UK submarines from 2026, and, beginning in 2027, rotations of UK and US submarines to Australia – this will be key to Australian jobs, infrastructure, technology and our ability to be sovereign ready. From as early as the 2030s, delivery of three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia – ensuring there is no capability gap. Australia and the UK will deliver SSN-AUKUS, a new conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarine, based on a UK design, incorporating cutting edge Australian, UK and US technologies. The UK will deliver its own first SSN-AUKUS in the late 2030s, with the first SSN-AUKUS built in Australia delivered in the early 2040s." (Minister for Defence Media Release 14 March 2023)

Australian Navy and civilian personnel begin nuclear training in UK and USA. This includes serving in Royal Navy and US Navy submarines.

United States submarines to be based at Fleet Base West from 2027