USS Colorado to become first AUKUS nuclear submarine stationed in Australia

In a joint statement, Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the USS Colorado, a decade-old Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, will be home-ported at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia beginning in late 2027, becoming the first nuclear-powered vessel under the AUKUS pact to operate from Australian waters. The submarine is the first of up to four U.S. and one British boats that will rotate through the base while Australian personnel train for their own nuclear fleet.

Critics, including Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie, have decried the use of second-hand vessels, a departure from the original promise of two used subs and a brand-new one. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have reiterated commitment to the deal despite the change. The Virginia class, capable of speeds over 46 km/h, outpaces Australia’s Collins-class subs and is intended to bolster Pacific deterrence and safeguard maritime trade. While the submarines are nuclear-powered, the United States has not confirmed whether any carry nuclear weapons, and the rotation will adhere to existing non-proliferation agreements.