AUKUS Partners Revise Submarine Deal, Launch Underwater Drone Project
On May 30, 2026, AUKUS defense ministers from Australia, the UK, and US announced in Singapore a revised Pillar I submarine plan: Australia will acquire three in-service Virginia-class submarines instead of a mix of new and used boats, streamlining costs and operations. They also launched the first Pillar II signature project to develop advanced payloads for uncrewed underwater vehicles, with deliveries starting in 2027. Progress on Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling in Australia was confirmed, with US rotations beginning in 2027.
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U.S. Navy Reestablishes Submarine Squadron in Australia Under AUKUS Pact
On June 10, 2026, the U.S. Navy formally reestablished Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, marking a concrete step in implementing the AUKUS security pact. The squadron, originally decommissioned in 2012 in Hawaii, will support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) program. Starting in 2027, up to four U.S. and one UK nuclear-powered attack submarines will conduct rotational deployments from the base. CSS-3 will integrate with Royal Australian Navy personnel to build maintenance, logistics, and operational support infrastructure. The initiative also includes training Australian civilian maintainers and divers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with over 230 currently under instruction. The goal is to enhance allied undersea deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and prepare Australia to operate its own nuclear-powered submarines.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsU.S. Navy reestablishes Submarine Squadron 3 in Australia under AUKUS pact
The U.S. Navy formally reestablished Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on June 10, 2026, marking a concrete step in implementing the AUKUS security pact. The squadron, originally decommissioned in 2012 in Hawaii, will support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) program. Starting in 2027, up to four U.S. and one UK nuclear-powered attack submarines will conduct rotational deployments from the base. CSS-3 will integrate with Royal Australian Navy personnel to build maintenance, logistics, and operational support infrastructure. The initiative also includes training Australian civilian maintainers and divers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, with over 230 currently under instruction. The move enhances U.S. presence and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsUS Navy Reactivates Submarine Squadron 3 to Support AUKUS Rotational Force in Australia
The US Navy has reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) to support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, as announced by Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh on 10 June 2026. The squadron, previously based at Pearl Harbor until its decommissioning in 2012, will operate out of HMAS Stirling alongside Royal Australian Navy personnel to establish maintenance, logistics, and operational support frameworks for US and UK nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines (SSNs) rotating through the base starting in 2027. This move follows a trilateral joint statement by Australia, the UK, and the US on 30 May, confirming progress under Pillar I of the AUKUS security partnership. Additionally, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling has been established to support US personnel and families. Australian maintainers and divers are training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to build sovereign SSN maintenance capability, with over 230 currently undergoing instruction in Hawaii.
Naval TechnologyUS Navy Reactivates Submarine Squadron 3 to Support Rotational Force in Australia
The US Navy has reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) to support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, as announced on June 10, 2026. The squadron, previously decommissioned in 2012, will operate from the Australian base under the AUKUS security partnership. The move follows a trilateral joint statement by Australia, the UK, and the US on May 30, confirming progress toward SRF-West milestones. CSS-3 personnel will work with Royal Australian Navy counterparts to establish maintenance, logistics, and operational support frameworks for US and UK nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines rotating through HMAS Stirling starting in 2027. Additionally, a detachment from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard will provide intermediate-level maintenance and train Australian maintainers. Over 250 Australian personnel are currently training in Hawaii to build sovereign SSN maintenance capability.
Naval TechnologyUS Navy Reactivates Submarine Squadron 3 to Support AUKUS Rotational Force in Australia
The US Navy has reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) to support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, as part of the AUKUS security partnership. Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh authorized the return of the squadron, previously based at Pearl Harbor until its decommissioning in 2012. The move follows a trilateral joint statement by Australia, the UK, and the US on 30 May 2026, confirming progress toward SRF-West milestones. CSS-3 personnel will work with Royal Australian Navy counterparts to establish maintenance, logistics, and operational support frameworks for US and UK submarines rotating through the base starting in 2027. Additionally, Naval Support Activity Stirling has been established to support US personnel and families. Australian maintainers and divers are training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to build sovereign SSN maintenance capability. The reactivation is described as a critical step for regional deterrence and enhancing US presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Naval TechnologyUS Navy establishes naval support activity in Western Australia under AUKUS pact
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, 2026, as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. The facility will provide services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and families assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. SRF-West will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The establishment aims to enhance submarine deployment capabilities through expanded maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule during a meeting in Singapore. Additionally, the first Pillar II signature project was announced, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027.
Navy TimesUS Navy establishes naval support activity in Western Australia under AUKUS pact
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the UK. The facility will provide services for US personnel assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. SRF-West will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The first US personnel are expected to begin rotations in late 2026. The announcement coincided with a meeting in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule. They also announced the first Pillar II signature project, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027, aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, strike capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare.
Military TimesUS Navy establishes naval support activity in Western Australia under AUKUS pact
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, 2026, as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the UK. The facility will provide services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and families assigned to Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West), which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. SRF-West will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The first US personnel are expected to rotate through in late 2026. Concurrently, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Australian and UK defense officials in Singapore, affirming AUKUS milestones are on schedule. They also announced the first Pillar II signature project, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027, aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, strike capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare.
Military TimesUS Navy Establishes Naval Support Activity Stirling in Western Australia Under AUKUS
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, as part of the AUKUS security pact. The new facility will provide services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and families assigned to Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West). SRF-West, expected to be fully operational by 2027, will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The first US personnel are expected to begin rotations in late 2026. The announcement coincided with a meeting of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey in Singapore, where they affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule. The meeting also yielded the first signature project under AUKUS Pillar II, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027, aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, strike capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare.
Defense NewsUS Navy establishes naval support activity in Western Australia under AUKUS pact
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, 2026, as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. The facility will provide services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and families assigned to Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West), which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. SRF-West will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth, enabling expanded maintenance and sustainment infrastructure. The first US personnel are expected to rotate through in late 2026. Separately, at a meeting in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and counterparts from Australia and the UK affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule and announced the first Pillar II signature project, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027.
Navy TimesUS Navy Establishes Naval Support Activity Stirling in Western Australia Under AUKUS
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia as part of the AUKUS security pact. Stood up on May 30, NSA Stirling will provide services for US and British personnel assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling near Perth. Expected to be fully operational by 2027, SRF-West will support rotations of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, enabling expanded maintenance and sustainment infrastructure. The first US personnel are expected to rotate through in late 2026. The announcement coincided with a meeting of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey in Singapore, where they affirmed AUKUS milestones remain on schedule. They also announced the first Pillar II signature project focused on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027, enhancing capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, strike, and anti-submarine warfare.
Navy TimesUS Navy Establishes Naval Support Activity in Western Australia Under AUKUS
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia as part of the AUKUS security pact. Stood up on May 30, 2026, NSA Stirling will provide services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and their families assigned to Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West). Expected to be fully operational by 2027, SRF-West will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The detachment will enable expanded maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure in the region. The announcement coincided with a meeting of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey in Singapore, where they affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule. The meeting also yielded the first signature project of AUKUS Pillar II, focusing on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027.
Defense NewsUS Navy establishes naval support activity in Western Australia under AUKUS
The US Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia as part of the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. Stood up on May 30, NSA Stirling will provide services for US personnel assigned to Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West), which will support rotations of US and British nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at HMAS Stirling near Perth. The detachment is expected to be fully operational by 2027, with the first US personnel rotating through in late 2026. The announcement coincided with a meeting of defense leaders from the three nations in Singapore, where they affirmed AUKUS milestones are on schedule and announced the first Pillar II signature project focused on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027.
Military TimesUS Navy Establishes Naval Support Activity in Western Australia Under AUKUS
The U.S. Navy has established Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling in Western Australia, effective May 30, 2026, as part of the AUKUS security pact. The facility, located at HMAS Stirling near Perth, will provide services for U.S. and British personnel assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. SRF-West will support rotations of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, enhancing maintenance and sustainment infrastructure in the region. The first U.S. personnel are expected to rotate through in late 2026. Concurrently, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Australian and UK defense officials in Singapore, affirming AUKUS milestones and announcing the first Pillar II signature project focused on developing uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs) starting in 2027.
Defense NewsU.S. Will Sell Three In-Service Virginia-Class Submarines to Australia Instead of One New and Two Used
The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom announced a revision to the AUKUS submarine acquisition plan during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Instead of selling Australia one new Block VII and two used Block IV Virginia-class submarines, the U.S. will now sell three in-service Virginia-class boats. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated the change simplifies fleet operations, avoiding the complexity of operating four different submarine classes alongside the Collins-class and future SSN-AUKUS. Cost savings are expected to be minor but beneficial. The announcement also included a new Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (UUV) program under AUKUS Pillar II, with deliveries beginning in 2027. Australian personnel are currently training in the U.S., and the Submarine Rotation Force-West at HMAS Stirling is on track for 2027. U.S. industrial base challenges were acknowledged, but officials expressed confidence in improving production rates.
"site:news.usni.org" - Google NewsAUKUS partners unveil Pillar II project for uncrewed undersea vehicles
Australia, the US, and the UK have announced the launch of the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, focused on developing advanced payloads and systems for Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). The agreement was revealed following a meeting at the US Embassy in Singapore with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Delivery of the technology is scheduled to begin in 2027. The project aims to improve protection of national seabed infrastructure, enhance surveillance and reconnaissance, and enable strike and logistics operations. Payloads including sensors and weapons systems will be compatible with UUV fleets across all three nations. Additionally, progress on AUKUS Pillar I—Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines—remains on track, with the first US submarine deployment to HMAS Stirling planned for 2027. The announcements follow the Geelong Treaty signed in July 2025 and are supported by planned defense spending increases to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
Naval TechnologyAUKUS partners unveil Pillar II project for uncrewed undersea vehicles
Australia, the US, and the UK have announced the launch of the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, focused on developing advanced payloads and systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs). The agreement was revealed after a meeting at the US Embassy in Singapore with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Delivery of the technology is scheduled to begin in 2027. The project aims to enhance protection of national seabed infrastructure, improve surveillance and reconnaissance, and enable strike and logistics operations. It will also strengthen capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and contested littoral movement. Payloads including sensors and weapons systems will be compatible with UUV fleets across all three nations. Additionally, progress on AUKUS Pillar I—Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines—remains on track, with the first US submarine deployment to HMAS Stirling planned for 2027.
Naval TechnologyAUKUS partners unveil Pillar II project for uncrewed undersea vehicles
Australia, the US, and the UK have announced the launch of the first AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project, focused on developing advanced payloads and systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs). The agreement was revealed following a meeting at the US Embassy in Singapore with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Delivery of the technology is scheduled to begin in 2027. The project aims to improve protection of national seabed infrastructure, enhance surveillance and reconnaissance, and enable strike and logistics operations. It will also strengthen capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and contested littoral movement. Payloads including sensors and weapons systems will be compatible with UUV fleets across all three nations. Additionally, the partners confirmed progress on AUKUS Pillar I, Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, remains on track, with initial US submarine deployment to HMAS Stirling planned for 2027.
Naval TechnologyAUKUS Partners Announce Changes to Submarine Agreement, Launch Joint Development for Underwater Drone Payloads
The AUKUS partners (Australia, the UK, and the US) announced changes to their submarine agreement during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Under Pillar I, Australia will now acquire three in-service Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines instead of a mix of new and used vessels, streamlining supply chain and maintenance. The partners also confirmed key milestones for Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), with Australia investing up to AUD 8 billion at HMAS Stirling. Under Pillar II, they launched the first Signature Project: joint development of advanced payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), with delivery starting in 2027. The project aims to enhance capabilities in seabed infrastructure protection, surveillance, strike, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures. The partners also committed to expanding the AUKUS licence-free environment for defense trade.
Naval NewsAUKUS Partners Announce Changes To Submarine Agreement, Launch Joint Development For Underwater Drone Payloads
The AUKUS partners (Australia, UK, US) issued a joint statement at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, announcing changes to the Pillar I submarine acquisition plan. Australia will now acquire three in-service Virginia-class submarines instead of a mix of new and used boats, streamlining supply chains and costs. The partners also confirmed progress on Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling, with US personnel rotations beginning in 2026 and UK rotational presence reaffirmed. Under Pillar II, they launched the first 'Signature Project' to develop advanced payloads and enabling systems for uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), with deliveries starting in 2027. The project aims to enhance seabed infrastructure protection, surveillance, strike, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures. Additionally, they committed to expanding the AUKUS licence-free environment by narrowing excluded technologies and deepening industrial base collaboration.
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