The AUKUS submarine deployment in Western Australia is scheduled to begin in late 2027 with the arrival of USS Colorado, the first US nuclear-powered attack submarine assigned to the planned rotating force. The Pentagon announced the assignment on October 27, 2026.

AUKUS submarine deployment at HMAS Stirling

The Virginia-class submarine will join Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling, an Australian naval base. The base is projected to host up to five fast-attack submarines on rotation: four from the United States and one from the United Kingdom.

Australia does not permit foreign military bases on its soil. The three AUKUS partners said the rotating force would help Australia prepare to operate and maintain its own nuclear-powered submarines while supporting allied deployments and maintenance.

Preparations and programme costs

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said US personnel were already at HMAS Stirling preparing the site. He described the rotating force as the first major milestone under the AUKUS agreement and said it was on track.

The wider AUKUS submarine programme aims to equip Australia's navy with nuclear-powered submarines. Australian government forecasts put its potential cost at up to US$235 billion over 30 years.

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