The US has sent the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine USS North Carolina to Australia with BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles

A Virginia-class nuclear submarine of the US Navy has arrived in Australia. The submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) has docked at the Stirling base.

Here's What We Know

The Royal Navy base is located on Garden Island. USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was the first Virginia-class submarine to visit Australia since the signing of the AUKUS agreement, which outlines the country's path to acquiring Virginia submarines.

The visit of the USS North Carolina (SSN 777) demonstrates the United States' unwavering commitment to its partners and allies. US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy said.

USS North Carolina (SSN 777) is one of more than two dozen active Virginia-class submarines. It has a 210 MW S9G PWR nuclear reactor and can reach speeds in excess of 45 kilometres per hour.

The submarine is armed with BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 533mm Mark 48 torpedoes. At the end of the decade, the US Navy plans to begin equipping Virginia-class submarines with hypersonic missiles.

In less than a year and a half, Australia has already been visited by five US nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the US Navy has sent USS Asheville (SSN 758), USS Mississippi (SSN 782), USS Springfield (SSN 761) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) here.

Source: @USPacificFleet