AUKUS Pact Grants US Access to Australian Nuclear Submarine Facilities
The AUKUS pact grants the US access to new nuclear submarine facilities in Western Australia, including the upgraded Henderson shipyard, as Australia invests billions to counter China's Indo-Pacific ambitions.
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Overview
- The AUKUS security pact grants the United States access to planned defense facilities in Western Australia for nuclear submarine maintenance and docking.
- Australia is investing A$12 billion to upgrade the Henderson shipyard, specifically to provide the US access to these new AUKUS nuclear submarine facilities.
- The AUKUS pact aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, strengthening its position against China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Labor government previously invested A$127 million to upgrade shipyard facilities, further enabling US access to the new AUKUS nuclear submarine infrastructure.
- Under the AUKUS agreement, the United States will sell Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, enhancing the strategic defense partnership.
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FAQ
The Henderson shipyard is undergoing upgrades worth approximately A$12 billion to support nuclear submarine maintenance and docking, including wharf upgrades, operational maintenance, logistics, and training facilities to facilitate the US access under the AUKUS pact.
Western Australia will see more frequent port visits and a rotational submarine force from the US and UK, beginning as early as 2027 with the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West), supporting both visiting and Australian nuclear-powered submarines.
The expansion of HMAS Stirling and associated infrastructure is expected to create around 3,000 direct jobs, with an additional 500 direct jobs supporting the rotational submarine force between 2027 and 2032, thereby supporting the local economy and workforce development.
Australia will acquire US Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, which will be integrated into its defense capabilities as part of the AUKUS pact.
Western Australian education institutions are playing a key role in developing skilling programs to support the growth of a specialized workforce needed for nuclear submarine maintenance and operations under the AUKUS agreement.
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