Australia announced a major investment in expanding the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia to support its nuclear-powered AUKUS submarine fleet. The government will invest $85 million over three years to upgrade facilities at the shipyard near Perth, creating a maintenance hub for the submarines and other naval projects.
Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the facility at Henderson will not only optimize Australia’s shipbuilding industry but also create about 10,000 local jobs over the next 20 years. The shipyard will also play a key role in building new landing craft for the Australian army and general-purpose frigates for the navy.
The AUKUS defence pact, signed in 2021 with the UK and US, will see Australia purchase up to five nuclear-powered submarines from Washington in the early 2030s. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the US has shared nuclear-propulsion technology since the 1950s.
The deal is estimated to cost Australia around $245.8 billion by 2055, but it is expected to bolster the country’s defense capabilities and solidify its strategic partnerships.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.