Australia strengthens AUKUS submarine maintenance capability ahead of rotational force launch in 2027

Australia is using a maintenance period aboard USS Colorado at HMAS Stirling to prepare personnel and infrastructure for Submarine Rotational Force-West, scheduled to begin in 2027. Qualified Australians will undertake in-hull work, including replacement of the Virginia-class submarine's thin-line towed array and ship repairs, using local scaffolding and the upgraded Diamantina Pier. Australian, British and US teams will also rehearse off-hull activities and radiation-safety procedures with training equipment, without transferring radioactive waste ashore. Colorado is expected to return in late 2027 as the first submarine assigned to the rotations, following earlier maintenance work on US and British boats.