In a significant development for the AUKUS alliance, a US nuclear-powered submarine today underwent maintenance for the first time at an Australian naval base. This event is a critical step for the AUKUS partners – the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom – to demonstrate their commitment to deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
The maintenance is being carried out at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia and involves personnel from all three nations. Australian personnel have trained with their US and UK counterparts over the past year in preparation for the mission. The joint statement from the defence ministers emphasised their shared commitment to maintaining the same safety standards that the US and UK have used for nearly 70 years in operating nuclear-powered ships.
The AUKUS agreement, as announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, and British Defense Minister John Healey, aims to set the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation after Australia acquired conventional weapons and wanted to acquire a nuclear submarine.
The USS Virginia-class submarine, named Hawaii, arrived at the Australian base with a US service ship carrying maintenance equipment and personnel, which would normally be maintained at US submarine ports. The strategic move is aimed at building Australia’s expertise and capacity to operate a fleet of conventionally armed and nuclear-powered submarines from the next decade.
By 2027, HMAS Stirling is expected to host a rotating presence of one British Astute-class submarine and up to four US Virginia-class submarines, significantly increasing Australia’s proficiency in this area.
To allay concerns about handling nuclear materials, the Australian Department of Defence has confirmed that no radioactive material will be brought ashore during maintenance of the submarine.
The recent easing of defense export controls among AUKUS partners, which occurred last week, has facilitated this maintenance process by removing previous barriers.
Under the AUKUS alliance, Australia will also acquire US nuclear-armed attack submarines over the next 20 years and will work with the UK and US to develop a new class of conventionally armed and nuclear-armed submarines.
The rotation of US nuclear submarines in Australian waters is intended to increase deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. This is especially important given China’s increasing pressure on the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, as US lawmaker Michael McCaul noted during a visit to Sydney last week.
In today's joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed that the maintenance of the US submarine in Australia is a strategic measure to enhance deterrence in the region and maintain the rules-based international order.
Reuters contributed to this article.
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