The AUKUS deal is set to make Australia a major hub for US submarine maintenance. 

Reports this week say Australia will become the major western Pacific hub for maintaining US submarines under the AUKUS deal, while waiting for delivery of its own nuclear-powered submarines.

Hundreds of Australian companies could join the supply chain to sustain visiting submarines, if they can meet the USA’s strict quality assurance and security standards, which include a requirement not to use Chinese-made parts.

Three nuclear submarine builders - the US-based Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries, and the UK’s BAE Systems - have also agreed to take up to 250 Australian workers at each of their shipyards to be trained in nuclear-powered submarine construction.

In coming months, the Albanese government will unveil its planned pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from the US and UK under the AUKUS pact.

Experts say this is unlikely to occur before the late 2030s, giving Australia time to train local sailors and establish a domestic regime to support nuclear-powered submarines. 

More details are accessible here.