Australia will host the USS Colorado, the US’s first nuclear-powered attack submarine under the AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defense pact, strengthening military cooperation between the three allied nations.
The deployment represents a step toward establishing a regular American submarine presence in the country and expanding the three nations’ collective deterrent capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement aims to strengthen Australia’s naval capabilities while deepening defense relationships with the United States and the United Kingdom.
The move comes amid growing regional security concerns over China’s military expansion and reflects allies’ efforts to maintain a strategic balance in the region.
Expands submarine presence
Australia will host the USS Colorado, a US Navy Virginia-class fast attack submarine, from late 2027 as the three AUKUS partners expand their undersea warfare capabilities.
The deployment will be the first submarine to be assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), a planned rotational force based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
The agreement is intended to strengthen submarine operations in the Indo-Pacific while helping Australia build the technical expertise and infrastructure needed to operate and maintain its own nuclear submarines. In addition, regional maintenance and support capabilities for American and British submarines will be expanded.
The USS Colorado (SSN 788) is a 115-meter (380-foot) Virginia-class fast-attack submarine designed for undersea warfare, surveillance and land attack missions. It has land attack missiles and sophisticated torpedoes, making it capable of attacking targets both underwater and on land.
The US Navy commissioned the submarine in March 2018. Its assignment to SRF-West represents a significant step in establishing a regular rotational presence of American nuclear submarines at an Australian naval installation.
Under the plan, HMAS Stirling will eventually host up to four U.S. fast-attack submarines and one British fast-attack submarine on a rotating basis. The submarines will not be permanently stationed at the facility, but will rotate as part of the three countries’ broader defense cooperation.
The deployment will also build on Australia’s preparations to support allied submarines. A U.S. submarine maintenance period is scheduled to begin later this week, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity to maintain American and British nuclear fast-attack submarines.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles said the initiative was on track as American personnel at HMAS Stirling had already prepared the site.
Increases sonar production
SRF-West’s aim is to help Australia develop the expertise and infrastructure required to operate, maintain and regulate its own nuclear submarines. Although the submarines will carry conventional weapons, their nuclear propulsion systems require specialized technical skills, trained personnel and specialized facilities.
The rotational force will also expand maintenance options for AUKUS partners, support submarine operations, and help sustain advanced undersea platforms in the Indo-Pacific. Australia’s broader submarine program could cost up to $235 billion over 30 years, according to government forecasts.
The three partners said SRF-West’s activities would be consistent with their international obligations, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Australia will also join the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, known as the Treaty of Rarotonga.
Meanwhile, Australia is strengthening its domestic marine technology industry. French defense group Thales has opened a sonar facility in Rydalmere, western Sydney, to manufacture and service towed sonar systems for military submarines, ships and other maritime platforms.
The facility, jointly funded by Thales Australia and the Australian Government, will provide sonar systems for Hunter-class frigates, Collins-class submarines and the BlueSentry autonomous system. Towed sonar uses sensors mounted behind a ship to detect and track underwater signals to aid in maritime surveillance and submarine detection.
Local production and maintenance is expected to reduce dependence on overseas assets, shorten offshore maintenance times and increase deployment times.
Thales owns about 35 percent of Naval Group, the French defense contractor that lost Australia’s submarine contract in 2021 after Canberra canceled the program in favor of AUKUS.
