Australia Invests $8B in Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Expansion
Australia announces AU$12 billion investment to transform Perth's Henderson shipyard into a nuclear submarine maintenance facility, creating 10,000 jobs and strengthening AUKUS partnership capabilities.
Aerial view of Henderson shipyard in Perth, future site of Australia's nuclear submarine maintenance facility
Australia Announces Major Investment in Nuclear Submarine Infrastructure
Australia has committed AU$12 billion ($8 billion) to transform the Henderson shipyard near Perth into a cutting-edge maintenance facility for nuclear-powered submarines, marking a significant step in the nation's ambitious AUKUS partnership implementation.
Strategic Investment for Indo-Pacific Security
Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Sunday that this "very significant" investment will be deployed over a decade to develop the Western Australian shipbuilding precinct. The initiative follows the 2021 AUKUS agreement with the United Kingdom and United States, aimed at enhancing Australia's naval capabilities amid growing Indo-Pacific challenges.
"Henderson is a key piece of the AUKUS story, and it will be welcomed in the US, as it will be welcomed in the United Kingdom," stated Marles, emphasizing the project's strategic importance.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development
The expansion plan includes:
- High-security dry docks for submarine maintenance
- Facilities for army landing craft construction
- Infrastructure for new general-purpose frigates
- Creation of approximately 10,000 local jobs
This development builds on Australia's growing strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region, with potential implications for regional security cooperation.
International Collaboration and Future Access
The facilities will not only serve Australian interests but may also be accessible to US forces, highlighting the deepening defense collaboration between the AUKUS partners. This arrangement supports the broader agreement that will see Australia acquire Virginia-class submarines from the US while developing new AUKUS-class vessels with Britain.
Jack Thompson
Reporter based in Sydney, Jack covers climate issues, migration policies, and Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy.