Australia has confirmed an initial investment of A$12 billion to convert the Henderson Defense Complex in Perth into a facility with capabilities to build and maintain nuclear submarines.
The AUKUS pact and nuclear submarines
The initiative is part of a long-term plan to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. nuclear-powered submarines.. Specifically, the goal is to acquire at least three U.S.-made Virginia-class submarines over the next 15 years, and eventually produce units of its own.
Defense Minister Richard Marles assured that the announced investment is only the first step in a long-term commitment that could exceed A$25 billion. The objective is to consolidate Henderson as a strategic shipbuilding and maintenance node within the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
The AUKUS pact was established in 2021, and responds to China’s increasing influence in the region while strengthening trilateral cooperation between Canberra, Washington and London. The ability to build nuclear-powered submarines on Australian territory decreases external dependence and elevates the country’s position as a more autonomous player in the regional defense arena.
The decision comes shortly before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip to the United States, where a meeting with President Donald Trump is expected. Such a visit could consolidate bilateral commitments in defense and military technology, and confirm the continuity of the AUKUS pact under the current U.S. administration.
Source and photo: Royal Australian Navy
