Australia in collaboration with the UK and USA, will now build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide, instead of the French Barracuda-class submarines.
The U.S. plans to share its submarine nuclear propulsion technology with Australia, as countries in the region look for ways to hedge against China.
This is part of a new security arrangement between the US, the UK and Australia.
“Over the next 18 months, we will work together to seek to determine the best way forward to achieve this. This will include an intense examination of what we need to do to exercise our nuclear stewardship responsibilities here in Australia,” Morrison said.
“We intend to build these submarines in Adelaide in close cooperation with the United Kingdom and the United States.”
Back in 2016, Prime Minister Turnbull said 2800 jobs would flow nationally from the French contract, with 1100 safeguarded in SA shipyards. He said a further 1700 would be created through the supply chain.
The first of the new French-designed Barracuda Attack class submarines were expected to be operational in 2034, with each subsequent submarine delivered every two years.
The good news is full-cycle maintenance work of the Collins Class submarines will stay in SA, saving about 900 jobs.
The bad news is another ‘Valley of Death’ before building the new submarines.
The local angle and interviews can be found here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-16/sa-residents-eye-safety-and-jobs-amid-nuclear-submarine-deal/100467204