USS Colorado to become first US nuclear submarine deployed under AUKUS

Australia will host the USS Colorado (SSN 788), a Virginia-class attack submarine, from late 2027 as the first US nuclear-powered sub under the AUKUS pact. It will be the first boat assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling, which will eventually host up to four US and one British attack submarines on rotation.

• USS Colorado is a 115-meter Virginia-class sub commissioned in March 2018
• Deployment to HMAS Stirling begins in late 2027
• Up to 4 US and 1 British attack subs will rotate through the base
• Australia's submarine program could cost up to $235 billion over 30 years