First visit by an US Virginia-class submarine in Australia since AUKUS.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 4, 2023, the Western Australian naval base, HMAS Stirling, played host to the USS North Carolina (SSN 777) after its participation in the 2023 Talisman Sabre exercises.
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US Virginia class submarine USS North Carolina at the Australian Naval Base HMAS Stirling. (Picture source: US DoD)

The AUKUS initiative, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was announced in September 2021 with the core aim of amplifying the defense capabilities of these nations.

Under the AUKUS, Australia is set to receive nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines. To acquaint Australia with these submarine operations, the initial phase will witness increased port visits from nuclear-powered submarines, paving the way for the Submarine Rotational Force-West by 2027.

This force is set to incorporate multiple Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. and an Astute class submarine from the UK. By the early 2030s, subject to approval from the U.S. Congress, Australia will procure three Virginia-class submarines, with an option for two additional units if deemed necessary.

The culmination of this collaboration is the anticipated SSN-AUKUS, a fusion of advanced U.S. technology with UK submarine design. This next-gen assault submarine is projected for introduction in the early 2040s and is expected to bolster the naval prowess of both the UK and Australia.

Furthermore, AUKUS isn't solely focused on submarines. The partnership also envelops areas like advanced cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea functionalities, and electronic warfare, among others, thus differentiating it from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing consortium.

This alliance, though celebrated by many, wasn't without its detractors. China viewed the pact with skepticism, deeming it a product of "cold-war mentality."

It's believed that AUKUS came into existence as a countermeasure to China's assertive stance in the global arena. Notably, AUKUS led to the cancellation of a significant submarine deal between France and Australia.

Feeling blindsided, France responded by recalling its ambassadors from both Australia and the U.S. This move came after the abrupt cessation of a deal worth €56 billion between the two nations.