AUKUS on track for Australia subs in early 2030s, Marles says
"We're working at a pace to delivering the optimal pathway to Australia acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine capability," Marles said in an interview.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated the nation is on schedule to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine from the United States, anticipating delivery in the early 2030s. This news comes as Australia remains a partner in the AUKUS submarine partnership alongside Britain and the United States. The alliance, which also involves the UK, is considered crucial by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The first US nuclear-powered attack submarine, a Virginia-Class submarine with land-attack missiles and sophisticated torpedoes, is set to arrive in Western Australia by late 2027. This deployment marks a significant milestone in strengthening a joint US-Australia-UK deterrence in the Pacific under the AUKUS defense pact.
Western Australia's naval base in HMAS Stirling will host the rotating force of nuclear-powered submarines, known as Submarine Rotational Force-West. The base is designed to accommodate up to five fast-attack submarines, with four from the US and one from the UK, rotating on a regular basis. This arrangement aims to aid Australia in preparing for the operation and maintenance of its own nuclear-powered submarines while supporting its allies' deployments and maintenance.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
