U.S. Attack Submarines to Be Deployed to Australia
Reference News Network reported on October 28 According to AFP on October 27, the Pentagon has designated the USS Colorado as the first U.S. attack submarine to be assigned to the rotational forces of the U.S. military stationed in western Australia.
Officials stated on the 27th that this 377-foot-long (approximately 115 meters) Virginia-class submarine, equipped with land-attack missiles and advanced torpedoes, will head to its new base in Australia by the end of 2027.
The two countries stated in a joint declaration that this deployment is an "important milestone" in building the alliance's joint deterrence capability in the Pacific region under the Australia-UK-U.S. defense agreement. This defense agreement aims to equip the Royal Australian Navy with a fleet of stealth nuclear submarines and expand military cooperation among the three countries.
Australia does not allow foreign military bases on its territory, but hosts U.S. Marines for exercises in the northern city of Darwin for six months each year.
The aforementioned submarine rotational force, known as the "Western Submarine Rotation Force," will be stationed at the Royal Australian Navy's Stirling Base in western Australia.
It is predicted that the base will host up to five fast attack submarines, with four from the United States and one from the United Kingdom.
The three countries of the Australia-UK-U.S. alliance stated that the base will help Australia prepare for the operation and maintenance of its own nuclear submarines while providing support for the deployment and maintenance of its allies.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated in a media interview that this submarine rotational force is the first "truly significant milestone" under the Australia-UK-U.S. alliance agreement.
The Australia-UK-U.S. submarine program is at the core of Australia's defense strategy. According to the Australian government, the total investment in this program could reach $235 billion over the next 30 years. (Translated by Feng Xue)
The USS Colorado, a Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine, will be deployed to Australia by the end of 2027 as part of a rotational force at Stirling base. This deployment marks a significant milestone in the AUKUS defense agreement, which aims to enhance military cooperation among Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. The base is expected to host up to five submarines, with four from the U.S. and one from the U.K.
- The USS Colorado will be the first U.S. attack submarine stationed in Australia.
- The submarine is part of a rotational force at the Stirling base.
- The deployment is a milestone in the AUKUS defense agreement.
- Australia will host up to 5 fast attack submarines at the base.
- The AUKUS submarine program is central to Australia's defense strategy.