Australia commits $12 billion to enhance submarine capabilities amid rising tensions

Australia has announced plans to spend an initial Aus$12 billion (US$8 billion) over a decade to upgrade shipyard facilities at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Perth, Western Australia. This investment is aimed at preparing for a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, as part of Australia's strategic military reorganization following the AUKUS pact signed in 2021 with the United Kingdom and the United States. The government’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, highlighted that the development will not only involve the construction of high-security dry docks necessary for maintaining nuclear submarines, but also facilities for building landing craft and Japanese Mogami-class frigates. Furthermore, this shipyard is anticipated to serve the maintenance needs of the US Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines as well. The Australian Government recognizes the growing military threat posed by China in the Pacific region, and this investment is a direct response to the strategic landscape that Australia faces. With no current infrastructure to service nuclear submarines, the acquisition of at least three US Virginia-class submarines over the next 15 years will be part of this ambitious military enhancement. In addition to the submarine project, Australia is set to pay Aus$10 billion over the next decade for 11 Japanese-built Mogami-class frigates, further expanding its naval capabilities from a fleet of 11 major warships to 26 over the same time frame. Questions surrounding the AUKUS submarine program's viability linger as it could necessitate up to US$235 billion over 30 years, and the potential impact of the United States’ production capacity for nuclear submarines remains a point of concern. However, recent discussions with US officials have reportedly indicated a positive outlook for the continuation of the AUKUS pact. Overall, this significant investment reflects Australia’s proactive approach to bolstering its defense mechanisms in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.