British nuclear sub docks in WA in AUKUS ‘milestone’
For the first time, the UK has docked a nuclear-powered submarine at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia; This was an important step in Australia’s preparations to build its own fleet of nuclear-powered boats.
Under AUKUS, the UK and US agreed to allow Australian Defense Force personnel to maintain their nuclear submarines.
ADF teams will work with British and American crews to ensure the four-year-old Astute-class HMS Anston is serviceable before it is returned to the Indian Ocean.
It also aims to help Australians familiarize themselves with British designs before construction of the new SSN-AUKUS submarines begins in Adelaide later this decade.
Defense Minister Richard Marles described the docking of HMS Anson on Sunday as “the latest indication of continued momentum in the delivery of AUKUS across all three partners”.
“Australia, the UK and the US will work together on the maintenance of HMS Anson over the coming weeks, developing our skills, systems and infrastructure in preparation for Submarine Rotational Force-West starting next year,” he said.
Submarine Rotational Force-West is a permanent rotation of British and American submarines starting in Western Australia in 2027.
Four US and one British submarine are expected to operate from HMAS Stirling; This is an unwelcome prospect in Beijing.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said work on HMS Anson would signal to London and Washington that Australia was preparing to build, maintain and crew its own fleet.
“This is an important milestone that will build confidence in our strategic partners that we have the workforce to deliver AUKUS submarines, as well as paving the way for more jobs for local people,” Mr Conroy said.
“Our AUKUS teammates, as well as our workforce and industry partners, are driven to accelerate Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capacity.
“AUKUS partners are working together today to achieve real operational benefits, faster than we could alone.”
The US has already docked two Virginia-class submarines in Western Australia; The type Australia is scheduled to acquire in the early 2030s.
As part of the $368 billion defense deal, the Navy will purchase three American Virginia-class submarines with an option to purchase two more.
The first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS, a next-generation class designed by BAE Systems in the UK, is scheduled to be delivered in the early 2040s, with construction scheduled to begin at Osborne Naval Dockyard in Adelaide later this decade.
The shipyard is expected to build five SSN-AUKUS submarines.
