Earlier this week, ADM reported that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of AUKUS Pillar One-related Training and Training Devices and related equipment to Australia. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notification valued the potential deal at “up to” US$2 billion (A$3.05 billion).
In response to ADM’s request for further details the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) said the new Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case will enable the purchase of required items and services in support of the Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program over the next decade.
ADM understands the FMS case was submitted to US Congress on 1 December and while no money has been spent to date, the DSCA approval means that Australia now does not need to seek further US Government approval to acquire training devices and training packages.
The estimated $3 billion program is in addition to Australia’s investment in the US submarine industrial base and the acquisition of Virginia-class submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
An ASA spokesperson told ADM that the FMS package will include the early delivery of capability to support Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) and will enable the creation of mechanisms to upskill the local workforce prior to the delivery of the first Virginia-class boat to the RAN early next decade.
“The initial Statement of Requirement for the FMS case will cover two elements: the purchase of submarine training simulators in advance of SRF-West from HMAS Stirling; and embedded training for Australians in US shipyards, which will be ongoing,” the ASA spokesperson said.
“These activities are fundamental to Australia becoming sovereign ready to safely operate and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and align with the pathway announced by AUKUS Leaders in March 2023.”