Present and Future

The most profound change in future submarine capability for Australia will be the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.  Whilst this improvement in capability largely relates to speed, endurance and stealth, the increased power for auxiliary systems provides the basis for advances/improvements in ‘Hotel’ (domestic and life support) services, sensors, data processing and associated cooling.

A critical aspect of nuclear-powered submarine acquisition is the increase in submarine trained uniformed personnel to operate and sustain the force. Some three-fold expansion of the current numbers is estimated.