United States Navy Virginia-class submarine USS North Carolina (SSN-777) arrived at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia in August 2023 following participating in the international Talisman Sabre exercise. The nuclear-powered submarine was in Australia for a routine visit to provide respite for the crew (Photo: U.S. Navy)
A Navy official said Australian payments to help the U.S. submarine industrial base (SIB) under the AUKUS agreement will largely be directed to increase attack submarine (SSN) production above current plans, with the goal to make up for attack sales to Australia.
“AUKUS…