AUKUS defense alliance, sealed by United States, Australia and United Kingdomshould be an earthquake in world geopolitics, thus forming a platform with the aim of adding capacity stop Chinese expansion in the Pacific. A step forward for the US in the arms race, thus cementing its status as a great military power. The proof is the delivery of nuclear attack submarines USS North Carolina to the coast of Australia, thereby strengthening the relationship between Washington and Canberra.

Last March, the Australia-Britain-US trilateral security pact announced that the Royal Australian Navy would purchase three Virginia-class submarines, which refers to the nuclear attack submarines in US Navy service. LThe Virginia class cruise missile submarines are designed to handle missions in oceanic and coastal environments. The USS North Carolina, of this class, is anchored at the HMAS Stirling naval base on Garden Island. This is the first appearance of a submarine of this class since the AUKUS agreement.

US makes headway on AUKUS deal: US Navy delivers Virginia-class USS North Carolina

American crew members accompany Australian divers on the visit, which will explore the technology and operation of the vessel. Caroline Kennedy, US Ambassador, highlighted the US commitment to its allies, highlighting the value of AUKUS in relations with Australia. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, head of the Australian Submarine Service, emphasized the importance of the visit to enhancing Australia’s nuclear submarine capabilities.

“Through increased UK and US port visits and the Submarine Rotational Force-West initiative, Australia will progressively develop the skills, knowledge and experience to operate, maintain and manage nuclear powered submarines.”Mead explained. Meanwhile, the submarine director for the Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Simon Asquith, highlighted the US’ “tremendous progress” on trilateral agreements, assuring that Britain looks forward to “undertaking a similar visit to support the Royal Navy’s submarine training.” Australian personnel to safely operate nuclear submarine technology.

Armed with BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles and Mark 48 533mm torpedoes, it is one of more than two dozen active Virginia-class submarines. It has a 210 MW S9G PWR nuclear reactor and can reach speeds of more than 45 kilometers per hour. In less than a year and a half, Canberra has been visited by five US nuclear-powered submarines. Beyond USS North Carolina, the US Navy previously fielded USS Asheville, USS Mississippi, USS Springfield, and USS Frank Cable.