Pentagon official clarifies US expectations for AUKUS and HMAS Stirling

The Pentagon’s Undersecretary for Policy, Elbridge Colby, stated that the United States has been “very clear in private” with the Australian government regarding expectations under the AUKUS security agreement. Colby expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the agreement's review last year.

A central point of discussion involves Submarine Rotational Force-West, the facility at HMAS Stirling near Perth used for stationing US nuclear-powered submarines. Colby described the facility as “tremendously important” and a key value for both nations. The site has been a point of political discussion regarding the duration of the US presence and whether nuclear-armed submarines will rotate through the base in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga.

While Colby did not provide specific details regarding the rotation of nuclear-armed submarines after 2032, he emphasized that the Trump administration maintains a “very tight discussion and a very clear understanding” with Australia to ensure stable and realistic expectations for the historic partnership.