US assigns first nuclear-powered sub to Australian base
The USS Colorado, a 115-metre Virginia-class submarine armed with land-attack missiles and sophisticated torpedoes, will sail to the new base in late 2027.
Pentagon assigns USS Colorado as US's first nuclear-powered submarine to Australian base in late 2027. The 377-foot Virginia-Class submarine, equipped with advanced weaponry, joins a rotating force to bolster US-Australia-UK defense alliance in the Pacific. This milestone aligns with Aukus pact, a response to China's military expansion, aiming to equip Australia's navy with nuclear-powered submarines and deepen military cooperation.
Australia permits host US Marines for six-month exercises annually at Darwin, but not foreign bases. The HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia, projected to host up to five fast-attack submarines, will facilitate Australia's nuclear-powered submarine operations and support allies' deployments and maintenance. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed preparations are underway, with American personnel at HMAS Stirling currently readied for the incoming submarine.
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