AUKUS Statement: Key Points and Implications for 23 August 2024
Today marks a significant milestone for the AUKUS partnership as the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) commences at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia; the Right Honourable John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom; and the Honourable Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense of the United States, have come together to highlight the importance of this event.
Historic Milestone for AUKUS Partnership
The STMP represents a historic moment for the AUKUS partnership, which aims to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Over the past year, Australian personnel have undergone extensive training provided by the United States and the United Kingdom to prepare for the operation, maintenance, and regulation of Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability.
This training has been crucial in ensuring that Australian personnel are ready to handle the complexities of operating and maintaining a nuclear-powered submarine. The STMP at HMAS Stirling will provide Australian personnel with hands-on experience and the opportunity to observe a range of activities related to the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine.
Building Australia’s SSN Capability
The STMP is a significant step in Australia’s acquisition of SSNs and marks the first time that Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. This hands-on learning experience is essential in building Australia’s capacity to own and operate its own sovereign SSN capability.
The establishment of the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) will further enhance Australia’s submarine capabilities. This rotational presence will involve the deployment of one UK Astute class submarine and up to four U.S. Virginia class submarines at HMAS Stirling, strengthening the cooperation between the three nations.
Australian personnel are now training alongside their counterparts in the Royal Navy and United States Navy’s submarine forces, gaining valuable knowledge and experience that will be essential in supporting and operating future Royal Australian Navy SSNs. The collaboration between the three nations is crucial in ensuring that Australia is ‘sovereign ready’ to handle its own SSN capability.
Commitment to Nuclear Stewardship
Nuclear stewardship is a top priority for the AUKUS partners, and during the STMP, simulated training exercises will help Australia enhance its knowledge and implement a safety culture that prioritizes the protection of personnel, the public, and the environment. The partners are committed to maintaining the highest nuclear non-proliferation standards in the acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia.
The AUKUS partners are dedicated to upholding the same guiding principles that have allowed the United States and the United Kingdom to safely operate nuclear-powered ships for nearly seven decades. By working together, the partners aim to strengthen their defense capabilities, better deter aggression in the region, and uphold the rules-based international order.
The STMP is a foundational activity under the AUKUS partnership that will not only enhance Australia’s defense capabilities but also improve interoperability between the three nations. The continued collaboration and sharing of critical skills, training, and knowledge will further strengthen the partnership and ensure the safety and security of the region.
In conclusion, the commencement of the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period at HMAS Stirling represents a significant step forward for the AUKUS partnership. The training and collaboration between Australian, British, and American personnel will not only enhance Australia’s submarine capabilities but also promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The commitment to nuclear stewardship and the highest standards of non-proliferation demonstrate the partners’ dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the region. As the AUKUS partnership continues to evolve, the STMP serves as a testament to the strong bond between the three nations and their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based international order.