AUKUS Tracker
Every major AUKUS milestone tracked with original promised date, current estimate, and slippage. Updated from Defence department statements, Congressional testimony, and open-source reporting.
The production-rate problem
needs
requires
The US has committed to selling Australia 3–5 Virginia-class boats from the early 2030s — but only once its yards reach ~2.33 per year. They are currently building at ~1.1— barely half — and have to re-arm their own fleet first. Every month below the line pushes Australia's first boat further out, widening the gap after the Collins-class retires (~2038–2042).
Sources: Adm. Daryl Caudle Senate testimony (2024, ~1.13/yr); AUKUS Optimal Pathway & US Navy 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan 2025 (2.0/yr sustainment, 2.33/yr to enable transfers).
Milestone Tracker
Pillar II: Quantum Technology Demonstrators
Trilateral quantum sensing and communications demonstrators operational.
Rolls-Royce Derby Nuclear Training Facility
Australia's A$4.6B investment in the Rolls-Royce Derby facility provides nuclear propulsion training for future RAN crew.
Pillar II: Hypersonic Weapons Operational
SCIFiRE delivers air-launched hypersonic strike weapons.
Osborne Shipyard Construction Complete
New nuclear-capable submarine construction and maintenance facility at Osborne, South Australia.
Second Virginia-class Transfer
Second hull transfer subject to US Navy production rate reaching 2.3 submarines/year. Currently running at 1.13 boats/year.
First SSN-AUKUS Steel Cut
Construction begins on the first Australia-built SSN-AUKUS at Osborne.
First SSN-AUKUS Launch
First Australian-built nuclear-powered submarine launched at Osborne.
First Virginia-class Transfer to Australia
US transfers first of 3-5 Virginia-class SSNs to Royal Australian Navy. Requires US Congressional approval and RAN crew training pipeline.
First SSN-AUKUS Operational
First Australia-built SSN enters Royal Australian Navy service.
Full SSN Fleet Operational (8 boats)
Australia operates a fleet of 8 SSNs — the minimum for continuous at-sea presence and credible deterrence.
Submarine Rotational Force West at HMAS Stirling
US Virginia-class and UK Astute-class submarines begin rotating through Henderson near Perth.