- The United States approved a Foreign Military Sales case worth up to $1 billion to support submarine combat systems and design work for the United Kingdom under the AUKUS program
- The package includes technical assistance, equipment, and embedded personnel to support development of next-generation nuclear-powered submarines for UK and allied use
The United States has approved a Foreign Military Sales case valued at up to $1 billion to provide submarine combat systems support, technical assistance, and embedded personnel to the United Kingdom as part of the AUKUS security partnership.
The notification, released by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs on March 20, 2026, expands a previously approved case and supports the development of next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The expanded support package is intended to strengthen the United Kingdom’s ability to design and field advanced submarines capable of operating in contested maritime environments.
According to the notification, the United Kingdom has requested technical assistance for the design and development of AUKUS-specific vertical deployment tubes, common weapon launchers, and components of a federated submarine tactical system. The package also includes network input/output units, servers, switches, custom electronics, simulation equipment, and testing and installation tools.
Additional elements cover software, source code, technical documentation, and training, as well as embedded U.S. and UK personnel working in both countries to support submarine design and integration. As noted in the notification, the program includes engineering, logistics, and test support services, along with studies and surveys related to system development.
The revised case builds on an earlier Foreign Military Sales package initially valued at $50 million, which focused on non-recurring engineering support, design integration of U.S. equipment, and delivery of software and technical publications for submarine combat and weapon systems. The updated estimate increases the total value of the case to $1 billion.
According to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The statement adds that the package will improve the United Kingdom’s ability to address current and future threats by providing “an effective combatant deterrent capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure.” It further notes that the acquisition will contribute to maritime security in northwestern Europe and support NATO and U.S. strategic objectives.
The principal contractors involved in the program include Huntington Ingalls Industries, General Dynamics Electric Boat, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Progeny Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Systems Planning and Analysis.