Sydney: In a significant step for the trilateral AUKUS defense alliance, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced that the United States will have access to the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia once its multimillion-dollar nuclear submarine upgrades are completed. The facility, currently undergoing a massive transformation, is set to become a pivotal hub for nuclear-powered submarine maintenance and rotations involving the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The Australian government has earmarked A$12 billion (US$8 billion) to overhaul the Henderson shipyard. The upgrades include new dry dock facilities, expanded repair capabilities, and infrastructure specifically tailored for nuclear-powered submarines. Marles emphasized that while the site is designed to service Australia’s future fleet, it will be an “AUKUS facility,” meaning that allied submarines from both the U.S. and the UK will also be sustained there.
Australia is expected to receive Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. in the coming decade, while simultaneously working with Britain on the development of a next-generation AUKUS-class vessel. Until then, U.S. and UK submarines will rotate through Henderson on a periodic basis, ensuring the site plays a vital role in allied operations even before Australia’s fleet is ready. This phased approach aims to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness across the AUKUS partners.
Beyond its military value, the Henderson expansion promises to deliver major domestic benefits. According to government estimates, the project will generate approximately 10,000 jobs in Western Australia, providing a boost to local industry. The facility will also support construction of landing craft and general-purpose frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, ensuring Henderson becomes a cornerstone of Australia’s broader defense industrial base.
The announcement comes as the United States undertakes a formal review of the AUKUS submarine deal, led by Elbridge Colby, a senior defense official who has voiced caution about some elements of the pact. While Canberra remains confident that Washington will stay committed, the review introduces an element of uncertainty regarding the pace and structure of cooperation.
The Henderson development highlights Australia’s growing role as a strategic anchor for allied forces in the Indo-Pacific. With China expanding its naval presence in the region, access to a modernized shipyard in Western Australia offers the U.S. and its allies a critical forward base for sustaining nuclear-powered submarines. Analysts note that this move strengthens deterrence while also deepening Australia’s integration into allied defense frameworks.
The coming years will determine how smoothly the Henderson facility transitions from an ambitious construction project to a functioning AUKUS hub. Key questions remain about the balance of access for allied navies, regulatory challenges tied to nuclear submarine maintenance, and the timeline for Australia’s own submarine acquisitions. Still, Sunday’s announcement underscores Canberra’s determination to align closely with its partners and transform its west coast into a strategic stronghold in the Indo-Pacific.