The AUKUS submarine timeline
How Australia plans to get from no nuclear-powered submarines to building its own, as the three governments laid it out in 2023.
Updated 21 October 2026
The leaders announced what they called the "Optimal Pathway" on 13 March 2023 [2]. The dates below are planned milestones taken from official statements. None of them is guaranteed.
| When | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 15 Sep 2021 | AUKUS announced. Nuclear-powered submarines for Australia named as its first initiative [1]. |
| 13 Mar 2023 | Optimal Pathway announced in San Diego [2]. |
| From 2023 | More frequent US submarine visits to Australia. UK submarine visits to follow from 2026 [3]. |
| As early as 2027 | US and UK begin rotating submarines through Australia (Submarine Rotational Force-West) to build Australian workforce, infrastructure and regulation [2][3]. |
| Early 2030s | Pending US Congressional approval, the US intends to sell Australia three Virginia-class submarines, with the potential for up to two more if needed [2]. |
| Late 2030s | UK delivers its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy [2]. |
| Early 2040s | Australia delivers its first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Australian Navy [2]. |
What is SSN-AUKUS?
SSN-AUKUS is the submarine the partners will design together. It is based on the UK's next-generation design and carries technology from all three countries. Both Australia and the UK will operate it [2].
The Virginia-class boats bridge the gap until then. The rotations from 2027 are meant to give Australian crews, shipyards and regulators time to get ready [2].