China Must Be Wary: This Indonesian Neighbour is Ready to Become a Base for Nuclear-Powered Submarine Fleet
The AUKUS security pact is entering a more concrete phase. The United States has expressed readiness to operate nuclear-powered submarines from Australia in the near future, marking an acceleration of Western military strategy in the Indo-Pacific amid escalating rivalry with China.
The statement was delivered by Samuel Paparo, the top US commander for the Indo-Pacific, during a hearing before a congressional committee in Washington. He emphasised that the presence of a nuclear submarine base in Australia holds immense strategic value in maintaining regional power balance.
“Having a submarine base in the Indian Ocean is very important,” said Paparo. He added that the facilities at HMAS Stirling have shown significant progress in supporting nuclear submarine operations.
According to him, with the readiness of infrastructure—from docks and onshore power supplies to other support facilities—the United States can technically begin operating submarines from Australia immediately. “With the facilities in place, we could be ready today to operate submarines from Australia tomorrow,” he said, as reported by News and several Australian news agencies.
The HMAS Stirling base is scheduled to become the primary hub for US and UK submarines starting next year, as part of the initial implementation phase of AUKUS. In addition to facility readiness, Paparo highlighted the significant progress in Australia’s human resources, particularly in training and submarine operations.
In the long term, Australia is planned to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, including the purchase of Virginia-class submarines from the United States in the 2030s. This agreement forms part of the AUKUS project valued at approximately $368 billion, which serves as a cornerstone of Australia’s 21st-century defence strategy.
However, behind this accelerated implementation lies a major challenge on the US defence industry’s side. The US Department of Defense recently awarded a contract worth around $197 million to support the development of Australia’s nuclear submarines, as part of the initial AUKUS implementation.
The contract covers engineering and design work to support the transfer of nuclear submarine capabilities from the US to Australia. Its value could increase to around $930 million if all contract options are exercised.
This contract was awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat, the primary contractor for the US Navy responsible for building submarines at the Groton shipyard in Connecticut. The company even plans to recruit around 4,600 additional workers to address production delays.