UK defence firm Babcock has announced it has started building key components for the SSN-AUKUS next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine programme.
Babcock disclosed the update in its recently published report Preliminary results for the year ending 31 March 2025.
The report revealed Babcock’s contribution to next-generation submarine programmes with the announcement of new contracts secured during the past financial year.
“Our Mission Systems business was awarded two significant contracts in FY25. These included a contract for Long Lead Items for the Astute replacement, Submersible Ship Nuclear AUKUS (SSNA), enabling us to place orders for the first elements of the Weapon Handling and Launch System,” the report stated.
The submarines will be built under the AUKUS pact – a trilateral security agreement between Australia, the UK and the US, designed to assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
SSN-AUKUS will see the construction of the largest and most powerful attack...