The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, United States have announced the commencement of the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for the AUKUS partnership aimed at promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past year, Australian personnel have received training from both U.S. and U.K. counterparts to safely operate and maintain Australia's future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability under AUKUS.
The STMP represents a crucial step in Australia's acquisition of SSNs. It is notable as it will be the first time Australian personnel will directly participate in maintaining a nuclear-powered submarine on Australian soil. Building on previous U.S. SSN visits, Australian personnel will engage in hands-on learning during this period.
Uniformed and civilian personnel from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will collaborate to transfer essential knowledge and skills needed to establish Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West). This force aims to accelerate Australia's readiness to own and operate its sovereign SSN capability. SRF-West will include one UK Astute class submarine and up to four U.S. Virginia class submarines stationed at HMAS Stirling.
Australian personnel are now working alongside their counterparts in both the Royal Navy and U.S. Navy's submarine forces to gain necessary experience for supporting future Royal Australian Navy SSNs.
"Nuclear stewardship is an absolute priority for AUKUS partners," stated officials involved with STMP activities. Simulated training exercises during this period aim to enhance Australia's safety culture regarding nuclear operations.
AUKUS partners emphasize their commitment to setting high standards for nuclear non-proliferation while acquiring conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
"Our navies are committed to reinforcing guiding principles within Australia that have allowed safe operation of nuclear-powered ships by the United States and United Kingdom for nearly 70 years," noted defense representatives from all three nations.
The STMP is viewed as a foundational activity under AUKUS that will bolster defense capabilities, deter regional aggression, and uphold international order through shared skills, training, knowledge exchange, and improved interoperability among partner nations.
