A delegation of senior defence officials from the United Kingdom, led by UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey MP, visited Western Australia's HMAS Stirling last week. This is the third visit to HMAS Stirling by a senior UK delegation in 2025, a tangible demonstration of the UK's strong and ongoing commitment to delivery of AUKUS.
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) personnel hosted the delegation and provided updates on the infrastructure upgrades underway at HMAS Stirling to accommodate nuclear-powered submarines.
A UK Astute-class submarine is expected to visit HMAS Stirling from 2026 as part of its commitment to more frequent port visits ahead of participating in Submarine Rotational Force - West (SRF-West).
The commencement of SRF-West will mark a major milestone of the Optimal Pathway and will contribute to ensuring Australia can safely and securely operate its own fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.
For a maritime nation like Australia, maintaining a submarine capability advantage over potential adversaries is critical for defending ourselves and working with our partners.
Australia's acquisition of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will enhance our contribution to stability in the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit to HMAS Stirling, the delegation toured Diamantina Pier, Sir James Stirling Mess, and concluded with a tour of a Collins class submarine, considered to be among the most capable conventional submarines in the world.
The UK delegation's visit to HMAS Stirling followed the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations in Sydney and the signing of the Geelong Treaty, a new treaty between the Governments of Australia and the United Kingdom to further secure the delivery of Australia's first locally constructed, nuclear-powered submarine.
