AUKUS submarine force moves closer as HMAS Stirling expansion accelerates

The Albanese government is investing up to $8 billion to expand HMAS Stirling, a project expected to create around 3,000 direct Australian jobs while transforming the base into one of the most important submarine hubs in the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of the next phase of preparations, the United States Navy has confirmed it will begin support activities at HMAS Stirling, working alongside Australian and British personnel. US personnel are expected to commence rotational deployments to Western Australia later this year as preparations for Submarine Rotational Force - West (SRF-West) continue.

A key element of the announcement is the re-establishment of US Submarine Squadron 3, which will oversee the operation of American nuclear-powered submarines rotating through HMAS Stirling under the SRF-West arrangement. The squadron will work closely with Australian and British personnel to help develop the maintenance, logistics and operational systems Australia will require to support and sustain its future sovereign submarine capability.

The United States will also establish a lead maintenance activity in Western Australia from mid-2026. The facility will support maintenance and sustainment activities for US submarines assigned to SRF-West while providing valuable training and workforce development opportunities for Australian personnel.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the initiative would play a critical role in Australia’s submarine enterprise.

“SRF-West will directly support submarine deployments by expanding maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure while helping Australia develop the ability to own, operate, maintain and sustain its own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability,” Minister Marles said.

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The United States is also establishing Naval Support Activity Stirling, which will expand over coming months to provide services and support programs for US military personnel, contractors and their families participating in rotational deployments to Western Australia.

Defence officials emphasised that all US force posture activities in Australia, including SRF-West, continue to operate under the Australia–United States Force Posture Agreement. The arrangement provides for rotational access to Australian facilities at Australia’s invitation and under Australian sovereignty.

Minister Marles said the broader AUKUS program represented a transformational investment in Western Australia’s economy.

“AUKUS is delivering a generational investment in the Western Australian economy, one that will support thousands of jobs for decades to come,” he said.

The Department of Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency are working closely with US counterparts to support the integration of visiting personnel into local communities while minimising impacts on housing, transport and healthcare services.

Beyond infrastructure development, SRF-West is expected to significantly enhance Australia’s ability to operate and safely steward nuclear-powered submarines. Australian sailors embedded aboard visiting British and American submarines will gain critical experience operating alongside experienced nuclear submarine crews, accelerating the development of Australia’s future submarine workforce.

The initiative will also strengthen the industrial skills, maintenance systems and supply chains needed to support the construction, sustainment and operation of Australia’s future submarine fleet.

The announcement builds on substantial work already underway in the United States, where more than 200 Royal Australian Navy personnel are currently undertaking training and operational postings focused on the safe operation of nuclear-powered submarines.

Minister Marles said the latest developments demonstrated that the AUKUS submarine pathway was progressing as planned.

“The Albanese government welcomes this announcement from the United States, which demonstrates that AUKUS is on track and it is happening now,” he said.

Australia’s industrial workforce is also gaining practical experience through placements in the United States. More than 220 Australian industry personnel are currently working at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, developing the specialised skills required to maintain and sustain Virginia Class submarines.

Since December 2025, more than 10 Australian workers have completed their assignments and returned home, bringing valuable expertise back to Australia’s growing submarine enterprise.

With infrastructure projects accelerating, workforce development expanding and rotational deployments set to begin, SRF-West is increasingly emerging as the foundation upon which Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability will be built.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.