THE head of government for the state of South Australia paid a visit to BAE Systems in Barrow after the AUKUS deal was announced.

Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas met defence minister Alex Chalk at BAE Systems. He talked to the workforce and apprentices at the centre of what will be a major project building nuclear submarines for Australian defence. 

Mr Malinauskas is the head of government for the Australian state that will continue the ship-building programme once the country has developed the skills and expertise to continue its own operations.

Until then, Australia's first submarines will be built, and training will be provided at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow under the AUKUS agreement between the US, UK and Australia.

Previously, Mr Chalk said in response to a question in parliament that the deal will secure millions of pounds of future investment into Barrow.

He said: "I am pleased to note that, in the last financial year, £2 billion was invested into Barrow-in-Furness and Raynesway. 

"There will be further investment to come, partly as a result of what has been announced recently, and in the years to come, which echoes my point about it having to be sustained and continued.

The Mail: Peter Malinauskas listening to BAE Systems apprenticesPeter Malinauskas listening to BAE Systems apprentices (Image: Ministry of Defence)

"The Australians have indicated their agreement to make a proportionate investment in UK infrastructure."

An agreement was made for Australia to operate a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines based on a British design.

The new SSN-Aukus submarines will be in operation for the Royal Navy by the late 2030s under the plan, and will also give Australia its first nuclear-powered boats.

READ MORE: Peter Dutton says Barrow cannot build AUKUS nuclear programme

The UK's submarines will mainly be built by BAE Systems in Barrow, and Rolls-Royce.

They will replace the Royal Navy's Astute-class boats when they enter into operation.

The Mail: BAE Systems will produce Australia's future nuclear submarines and also provide trainingBAE Systems will produce Australia's future nuclear submarines and also provide training (Image: Ministry of Defence)

Australia will continue its own operations in South Australia, using some components manufactured in the UK. Its boats will be in service in the early 2040s. 

Previously, the UK government and the local MP Simon Fell defended Barrow's ability to produce submarines for the programme after the leader of the Australian opposition and former Defence Minister Peter Dutton said that BAE did not have the capacity to build more.