The United States has named the first nuclear-powered submarine to be deployed to Western Australia under the AUKUS defence agreement, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s plan to operate its own nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) will be the first vessel assigned to SRF-West at HMAS Stirling, with the rotational deployment scheduled to begin in late 2027.
The announcement was made on Oct. 27 by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting.
SRF-West will see up to four U.S. Virginia-class submarines and one British Astute-class submarine rotate through the Western Australian naval base….