AUKUS rocks the boat (Comment)
The UK and the US have agreed to exchange sensitive and classified nuclear propulsion information with Australia. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
From the surprise announcement of AUKUS to Brazil’s steady development of a nuclear-powered submarine, 2021 saw a year of rapid developments as SSNs continue to be some of the most sought-after assets for navies globally. What does 2022 have in store?
On 9 December, the Pakistan Navy held a ceremony to mark the first steel cutting for its domestically built Hangor-class diesel-electric submarine programme. Progress on the class has after a year full of developments in the undersea domain.
The most notable news came from Australia’s decision to ditch its deal with France for conventional submarines and instead build nuclear-powered boats with the help of the UK and the US. The debut of AUKUS shocked the world, angering France due to the loss of a hugely valuable contract for Naval Group and prompting vocal criticism from China.
Since the AUKUS
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
