Australia launches AUKUS submarine industry strategy

The Australian Government has launched the AUKUS submarine industry strategy, which outlines the prioritization framework that is expected to give businesses the confidence to invest in their own technical capabilities, personnel and facilities.

As disclosed, the strategy sets out five lines of effort to boost Australian industry uplift: creating demand clarity for the industry, boosting investment attractiveness in critical areas, simplifying regulation, growing the skilled workforce and integrating Australian industry into U.S. and UK supply chains. As per the government, it will evolve as the industry develops and Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine program progresses.

“This will be one of the most complex and consequential industrial transformations in Australian history, and is part of the broader uplift of the sovereign maritime industrial base detailed in the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan,” the government said.

The strategy is underpinned by the government’s investment of $262 million to support the local defense industry uplift as part of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program announced earlier in 2025.

AUKUS will, reportedly, create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years across industry and government, including between 4,000 – 5,500 roles to support the build of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles commented: “Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy sets out how the Albanese Government will continue to implement initiatives and programs to support, guide and grow priority industry sectors, alongside our AUKUS partners. Our work does not stop here. As a multi-decade, multi-generational undertaking which will create around 20,000 jobs across the country, the Strategy will continue to evolve in line with industry and capability requirements as the AUKUS pathway progresses.”

Minister for Defense Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy stated: “The opportunities presented for Australian industry through our nuclear-powered submarine program are immense, and the Strategy further explains the Australian Government’s commitment to create the opportunities for industry and to support them in accessing them. Australian industry has incredible access to new and unique opportunities beyond our own submarines, now being able to be work with our AUKUS partners and contribute to the sustainment and build of their submarines as we develop a strong, resilient trilateral submarine industrial base. This is our greatest ever industrial undertaking and this strategy will underpin our success.”

To note, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the U.S. intended to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.