Australia Commits $10.2B to Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Expansion
Australia announces AU$12 billion investment in Western Australia defence facilities to support AUKUS nuclear submarine program, creating 10,000 local jobs and strengthening Indo-Pacific security.
Aerial view of Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, future home of Australia's nuclear submarine maintenance facility
Australia announced a major defence investment of AU$12 billion (S$10.2 billion) on September 13 to establish state-of-the-art naval facilities in Western Australia, marking a significant step in the nation's strategic response to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Investment in Naval Infrastructure
Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the planned precinct is "critical to Australia's shipbuilding and sustainment industry" while supporting the country's nuclear-powered submarine pathway under the AUKUS partnership. This investment demonstrates Australia's commitment to strengthening its strategic capabilities and defence infrastructure.
Henderson Shipyard Transformation
The government has allocated an initial AU$127 million for 2024 to upgrade facilities at the Henderson shipyard near Perth. This represents the first phase of a comprehensive 20-year development plan to transform the facility into a maintenance hub for the AUKUS submarine fleet.
Economic and Employment Impact
The ambitious project is expected to create approximately 10,000 local jobs, contributing significantly to Western Australia's economic development. The precinct will also support the construction of new landing craft for the Australian army and general-purpose frigates for the navy.
AUKUS Partnership Progress
Under the AUKUS agreement, worth hundreds of billions of dollars, Australia will acquire Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, while simultaneously working with Britain to develop new AUKUS-class submarines. The partnership has received strong bipartisan support from the US congressional committee for strategic competition with China, despite an ongoing review by Pentagon officials.
"We continue to increase defence spending to record levels to deliver the capabilities Australia needs," stated Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Australia recently strengthened its commitment to the partnership by signing a 50-year cooperation treaty with Britain, demonstrating the long-term strategic importance of the AUKUS alliance in maintaining regional security and stability.
Jack Thompson
Reporter based in Sydney, Jack covers climate issues, migration policies, and Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy.