Image source, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
- Author, David Lynch
- Role, Pennsylvania
The Defence Secretary said the UK was engaged in a shared plan with the US and Australia to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
John Healey said the Aukus defence project was a “fundamental” part of the UK’s future security, which would fuel economic growth.
He was speaking during a visit to a military steel supplier in Sheffield with Richard Marles, Australia’s Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr Healey, who has just returned from the Nato summit in Washington DC, visited Sheffield Forgemasters, owned by the Ministry of Defence, alongside his Australian counterpart.
He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Aukus and highlighted its role in creating jobs.
Mr Healey said: “Working with our allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to welcome my Australian counterpart during my first fortnight as Defence Secretary.
“The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through Aukus is testament to that.”
The MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, added: “Sheffield Forgemasters is a symbol of British industry, helping to strengthen global security and employing skilled staff from the local community.
“This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and US partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain.”
The visit comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held talks with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, with the leaders underlining their commitment to the partnership.
Mr Marles also visited HMNB Clyde in Scotland to see first-hand how the UK runs its nuclear submarine base.
British design
The Aukus submarines aim to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
They would be able to operate further and faster than Australia’s current fleet of diesel engines, making the country capable of conducting long-range strikes against enemies for the first time.
Under the agreement, Royal Australian Navy sailors are to be sent to US and British submarine bases to learn how to operate nuclear-powered submarines.
From 2027, the United States and the United Kingdom will also base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia.
Canberra is set to buy three US Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s, with an option to buy two more.
After that, the plan is to design and build an entirely new nuclear-powered submarine for the British and Australian navies, known as SSN-AUKUS.
The craft would be built in Britain and Australia to a British design, using technology from all three countries.
