US nuclear submarine docks off WA coast

A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has docked off the coast of Western Australia, marking the first of two planned visits this year. This visit signifies a further deepening of defense cooperation between the United States and Australia.

The Virginia-class submarine, named the USS Minnesota, arrived in Perth to provide training programs for Australian naval officers, preparing them to command submarines in the future. This training program is a crucial component under the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) security pact.

This stealthy, state-of-the-art submarine is docked at the Stirling Naval Base on Garden Island. Under the AUKUS agreement, the U.S., British, and Australian navies will have opportunities to exchange tactics, including weapons operations. This move aims to enhance the interoperability of the three countries' navies.

According to the AUKUS agreement, Australia's first Virginia-class submarine will be delivered from the United States in the early 2030s. The first nuclear-powered submarine built on Australian soil is expected to be completed in the early 2040s. The visit of the USS Minnesota, one of two planned this year, further demonstrates the advancement and implementation of the AUKUS agreement.