The delivery of the first Australian nuclear submarine under the deal worth $90billion with the USA has been accelerated by rising tensions with China.
Australia looks poised to launch its first submarine-powered nuclear weapon five years earlier than planned, as the West prepares for war with China.
Peter Dutton, the Defence Minister revealed that both the UK and the US have been putting in all their efforts to expedite the enormous project.
The controversial deal – which saw Australia abandon its contract with France for a fleet of diesel submarines – could now see the new subs coming into operation in the first half of the 2030s.
The delivery of Australia’s first nuclear submarine has been accelerated by rising tensions with China. This was in line with the US-UK $90billion agreement.
They weren’t originally expected to join Australia’s naval fleet before 2040, but now the US Defense Department wants to push the timeline.
This comes amid growing fears of an international standoff over Taiwan between China and the West. Australia has pledged to help any US response should the situation worsen.
‘I think we are advancing at a quicker pace than what we could have imagined even at the time of the announcement,’ Mr Dutton told The Australian.
“There’s been no play-playing or roadblocks. They are doing everything they can to make it work. It’s a capability that we want to acquire quickly and we are in those discussions right now.’
Peter Dutton, Defence Minister (pictured), has said that the UK and the US have been putting in all their efforts to accelerate the huge project.
He added: ‘ I think it’s the Americans’ desire to see us with capability much sooner than 2040 and obviously options are being explored at the moment.
“I am convinced that we can realize the potential in the first half the 2030s. We are working hard towards it and the conversations have encouraged me to be optimistic, and not discouraged.
Dutton suggested that submarines might be constructed in Australia, even though there are not enough shipyard facilities and nuclear power expertise.
Australia is yet to make a decision on whether they will use the US Virginia Class nuke submarine design, or the UK’s Astute Class.
At first, they were not anticipated to join Australia’s naval fleet before 2040. However, the US Defense Department has been pushing for a faster timeline (pictured: the US Virginia Class sub which Australia is looking at)
Australia is yet to make a decision on whether they will use the US Virginia Class nuke submarine design (pictured) or the UK’s Astute Class (pictured).
However, any attempt to produce them in Australia will need training for shipyard workers and new equipment.
Experts predict that it may be impossible to get the submarines in service within the new timeframe.
It may not be possible to move production to Australia, however. Mr Dutton indicated that there was limited spare capacity in the US and UK to construct the Australian subs.
He said that work had already begun with international partners to design local shipyards.
Australia’s current Collins Class submarines (pictured) would need major overhauls to extend their service life beyond 2038
This new timeline matches the original timeframe for the introduction the French submarines that were to be retired. They are due to enter service in 2035.
To extend the service life of Australia’s Collins Class submarines beyond 2038 they would require major repairs. Therefore, it is crucial that the submarines be in the sea as soon as possible.
Eight nuclear submarines were agreed to by the UK and the US. If the local manufacturing plan is approved, they will likely be constructed in Adelaide.
China called the AUKUS Agreement “extremely irresponsible”, so it is pushing its support for a South-east Asia nuclear-free agreement.
China’s President Xi Jinping (pictured) branded the AUKUS deal as ‘extremely irresponsible” and has now pushed its backing for a nuclear-free treaty for south-east Asia
Lijian Zhao from China’s government stated that the deal would ‘intensify region tensions, provoke an arms race and threaten regional stability and security.
Dutton suggested that Australia’s rhetoric must be understood as part of China’s attack against all nations opposing it.
He stated, “We seek a fruitful and productive relationship with China.”
“But, we have values we hold dear and will adhere to them.