Sun Sep 14 03:18:36 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Australia Invests Billions to Upgrade Shipyards for Nuclear Submarines Under AUKUS Pact**

**Sydney, September 14, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Australia will invest an initial Aus$12 billion (U.S.$8 billion) over the next decade to upgrade shipyard facilities in Perth, Western Australia, for a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The investment in the Henderson Defence Precinct follows the 2021 AUKUS security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom, aimed at bolstering Australia’s naval capabilities.

Defense Minister Richard Marles announced the upgrade, emphasizing its importance in enhancing Australia’s long-range strike capabilities amid China’s growing military influence in the Pacific. The upgraded facilities will include high-security dry docks for maintaining nuclear-powered submarines and infrastructure for building landing craft and Japanese Mogami-class frigates. The U.S. Navy is also expected to utilize the shipyard for maintenance of its nuclear-powered submarines.

Total costs for the Henderson Defence Precinct development are estimated to reach Aus$25 billion. The investment aligns with Australia’s broader military restructuring, including a recent Aus$10 billion deal to acquire 11 Mogami-class frigates from Japan, with plans to eventually produce these frigates in Western Australia. Additionally, Australia plans to deploy a Aus$1.7 billion fleet of Ghost Shark underwater attack drones by January.

The AUKUS submarine program, estimated to cost up to U.S.$235 billion over 30 years, has faced scrutiny. Concerns were raised over whether the United States could supply Australia with submarines, along with its own needs. However, Canberra remains confident in the pact’s future.

Minister Marles stated that his government has committed Aus$70 billion in additional defense spending since May 2022, including this latest shipyard investment, indicating Australia’s dedication to bolstering its defense capabilities and solidifying its role in the AUKUS alliance.

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