Australia Plans Nuclear Submarine Maintenance Dockyard in Western Australia

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia plans to build a dockyard in Western Australia by the early 2030s to maintain U.S. "Virginia"-class (Virginia-class) nuclear-powered submarines.

Marles said at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Australia needs to complete a backup dockyard by the early 2030s to commence maintenance work on "Virginia"-class submarines.

The Australian government confirmed on August 24 that the new defence complex will be located in Henderson, Western Australia. Under the trilateral security partnership framework of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS), the complex will undertake multiple tasks, including maintaining Australia's future nuclear-powered conventionally-armed submarines, building new frigates and amphibious landing ships, and developing supporting infrastructure for submarine maintenance for AUKUS partner nations.

Marles stated that the Australian government has consulted with the U.S. government in determining the site selection and layout of the Henderson Defence Complex. The U.S. side has expressed approval of accommodating both submarine maintenance and surface vessel construction at the same location. He said Australia has explained to AUKUS partners from the outset that this is exactly the planned direction for the Henderson Defence Complex.

Albanese said he discussed the progress of AUKUS implementation with U.S. President Donald Trump about a week ago. He stated that AUKUS-related work is advancing and Western Australia will play a central role in it.

According to Australia's plan, the Henderson complex will become the centre for warship construction and maintenance in Western Australia. The initial investment for the project is A$12 billion, approximately US$8.6 billion.