First US nuclear submarine docks in Australia under AUKUS agreement
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The US Navy says the nuclear submarine's trip to Australia will become a routine to help the AUKUS ally expand its knowledge on such vessels for future purposes.
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A crew member of the United States Navy Virginia-class submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) throws a line ashore as the submarine arrives at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia, on Friday, August 4, 2023 (US Navy)
A US nuclear-powered submarine reached Australia on Friday, making it the first of such vessels to ever visit the country since the United States, Canberra, and the UK signed the trilateral security pact dubbed AUKUS.
"USS North Carolina (SSN 777) docked at HMAS Stirling, a naval base in Western Australia, today following participation in Talisman Sabre 2023," the US Navy said, adding that this would be the first trip by a Virginia-class submarine to the country since the leaders’ announcement of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway.
Read more: Australians say 'AUKUS deal good for Washington, not for us'
In September 2021, the United States, UK, and Australia unveiled AUKUS, a military alliance aimed to boost nuclear capabilities and "strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region" as Washington grows wary of China's growing power.
The Optimal Pathway presents an ambitious and phased approach, aiming to equip Australia with a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability as quickly as possible and ensure the country's ability to safely operate, maintain, and regulate this advanced technology, while simultaneously upholding the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation.
"These port visits are an essential step for Australia to build the necessary operational capabilities and skills to steward and operate its own fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines," Abe Denmark, Senior Advisor for AUKUS to Australia's Secretary of Defense, said in the release.
The US plans to increase nuclear submarine port visits to Australia to help the AUKUS ally expand its knowledge on these vessels ahead of establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-W) as early as 2027 when it will start a rotational presence of up to four Virginia-class submarines and one UK Astute class submarine at HMAS Stirling, the Navy added.
Read more: US deploys first ever warship in foreign city part of anti-China AUKUS
As part of the alliance, the US and London will help Australia enhance its nuclear capabilities through sharing advanced technologies, which will aid Australia in acquiring its own nuclear-powered submarines. The alliance will also see the three nations sharing their know-how on AI, cyber, and quantum technologies, in addition to underwater and long-range missile capabilities, as per a senior Biden administration official.
