US approves first major submarine contract under AUKUS deal

(Alliance News) - The US has approved the first major submarine contract under the AUKUS security ...

Alliance News 24 April, 2026 | 3:47AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - The US has approved the first major submarine contract under the AUKUS security deal.

The USD196 million deal, awarded to American company Electric Boat, was announced by the US government on Thursday.

Under the 2021 security deal, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with support from the UK and the US, alongside cooperation on military technology.

It will be funded by Australia and cover "support engineering, technical, design agent and design transfer activities" from the US.

The new contract comes amid UK political pressure over elements of the AUKUS partnership.

Earlier this month, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan urged the UK government to pause involvement in another AUKUS-linked project.

"I believe in international alliances, I believe in collective security, but there is a clear difference between standing with our partners and giving a free pass to a US president who has threatened war crimes and shown contempt for our country," she said.

The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability programme will see a network of radars developed in Australia and the US as well as the UK to provide global monitoring of the skies, increasing the AUKUS nations' ability to track objects in space.

The Cawdor Barracks site in Pembrokeshire is expected to house the main UK contribution to the project, alongside sites in the US and Australia.

Morgan added: "I'm urging the UK government to halt our involvement in the AUKUS radar project until we can be confident those partnerships reflect our values, and our security interests."

The use of three sites is expected to provide coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions, and the UK's contribution to this project is described as "crucial to its success".

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's political spokesman said at the time: "The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability programme will secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire, Wales and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation works.

"We're engaging with the local community on proposals to redevelop Cawdor Barracks to host Darc, which will be operated by UK personnel."

In late 2025, the US concluded a review of the AUKUS agreement aimed at ensuring "its long-term success" and "alignment with the President's 'America First' agenda".

But Defence Secretary John Healey later said the partnership was going "full steam ahead" after talks between the US and the UK.

By Jessica Coates and Eleanor Storey, Press Association

source: PA

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures