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3w ago

Australia Commits A$12 Billion to WA Submarine Hub, Signals US Access Under AUKUS

The pledge kick-starts a decade-long build-out of sovereign sustainment infrastructure during a US review of AUKUS.

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Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, speaks during an announcement at the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney, Australia, September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo
Australia aims to acquire at least three US Virginia-class submarines within 15 years and eventually to manufacture its own subs

Overview

  • Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Henderson dry docks are expected to be available for US nuclear submarines as part of the trilateral framework.
  • The initial funding launches early works for high-security graving docks and depot-level maintenance, plus facilities to build landing craft and future general-purpose frigates.
  • Canberra describes the investment as a downpayment toward a roughly A$25 billion precinct over 10 years, with about 10,000 local jobs projected.
  • The hub will provide contingency docking for Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered fleet from the early 2030s, aligning with planned Virginia-class deliveries.
  • The announcement comes during a Pentagon review of AUKUS and US pressure for higher Australian defence outlays, with reports of private assurances that submarine transfers remain on track and Albanese set to pursue further reassurance at UN meetings.