The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine will rotate through HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The force is projected to host up to four U.S. fast-attack submarines and one British fast-attack submarine on a rotational basis.
The arrangement will give AUKUS partners more maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure in the region. It will also help Australia prepare to own, operate, maintain and regulate its own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced Colorado’s selection. They described the designation as a milestone for AUKUS Pillar I.
The announcement precedes a U.S. submarine maintenance period scheduled to begin later in the week. The partners said the work would further demonstrate Australia’s growing ability to sustain American and British nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines.
The statement repeated President Trump’s description of AUKUS as moving “full steam ahead.” It said Australian Prime Minister Albanese and British Prime Minister Burnham had reaffirmed that position.
SRF-West is being established at Australia’s invitation and will operate under relevant agreements, including the U.S.–Australia Force Posture Agreement. Associated AUKUS activities will comply with the partners’ international obligations, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Australia’s obligations under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.
