Submarine visitorsThe first step on a phased pathway will be an increase of visits by US Virginia class boats to Australia, starting in 2024. The Astute boat’s ‘rotation’ will probably last for several years, given the transit time back to the UK. Opportunities to serve in Australia will definitely be a bonus for the RN submarine service which needs every help to improve its recruitment offer. Leaning on the USThe first really challenging hurdle to be overcome for the submarine plan is the delivery of Virginia class SSNs to the Australians. There are undoubtedly aspirations for a larger RN submarine force in future but final numbers will be subject to the state of the defence budget in the 2030s.

Source: The Guardian July 17, 2023 19:46 UTC