The US nuclear-powered submarine USS Mississippi visited Australia - it has 12 vertical-launch missile launchers and can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles

The United States sent the Virginia-class submarine USS Mississippi to Australia. The submarine, along with its crew, arrived at Fleet Base West.

Here's What We Know

The visit of the nuclear submarine to Australia is planned and made as part of the AUKUS agreement. The country's Department of Defense said the arrival of the USS Mississippi reflects the strength of the USS-Australia alliance.

AUKUS is a trilateral defense alliance between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. It was founded in mid-September 2021 to counter China's influence in the South China Sea. The agreement will allow Australia to build its own nuclear-powered submarines.

The USS Virginia was commissioned 10 years ago. The submarine has a displacement of 7,800 tons and can reach speeds of up to 34 knots (63 km/h). It also has 12 vertical-launch rocket launchers and can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The USS Virginia is the second U.S. nuclear-powered submarine to visit Australia in 2022. The USS Springfield did so in April.

Source: Defense Brief

Image: The Australian