Overview
From as early as 2027, AUKUS partners will have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling (Garden Island, WA) of, one UK and up to four US, nuclear-powered submarines. This presence will be known as Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West).
SRF-West will help Australia build the necessary operational capabilities and skills to be sovereign ready, so Australia can safely and securely own, operate, maintain and regulate a fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.
Over the next decade HMAS Stirling will be upgraded and enhanced to support the scale of infrastructure required for conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Defence is responsible for delivering the critical infrastructure at HMAS Stirling, to accommodate AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, including Australia’s sovereign nuclear-powered submarines when they are in operation.
This is a collaborative effort between Defence and AUKUS partners, more information can be found on the Defence Submarine Rotational Force – West Infrastructure Project(Opens in a new tab/window) page.