U.S., U.K. and Australia Join Forces to Develop Next-Generation Submarine in Response to China’s Growing Influence in Indo-Pacific Region.

In a joint statement on Monday, President Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a trilateral agreement to develop a next-generation submarine based on the United Kingdom’s design. The submarine, dubbed SSN-AUKUS, will incorporate cutting edge U.S. submarine technologies.

The submarine purchase is part of a larger effort to modernize Australia’s fleet and counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. will provide Australia with up to five nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines, which are expected to be ready for deployment in the early 2040s.

The agreement between the three nations, known as AUKUS, was established 18 months ago and has been met with criticism from China. On Tuesday, China warned that the U.S. and its nuclear allies were heading down a “path of error and danger” with the submarine deal.

The trilateral agreement is the latest in a series of moves by the U.S. and its allies to strengthen their presence in the Indo-Pacific region. President Biden flew to San Diego on Monday for talks with Prime Ministers Sunak and Albanese to discuss the AUKUS partnership.

The SSN-AUKUS submarine is expected to be a powerful symbol of the three nations’ commitment to the region. With the latest trilateral agreement, the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia are sending a clear message that they will continue to work together to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region.