Marles explained that the project includes the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, noting that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will initially announce an investment of approximately $8 billion to upgrade the precinct. The total spending is expected to double over the next decade to improve infrastructure and enhance submarine safety standards.
The AUKUS agreement, announced in September 2021, is based on two main pillars. The first involves developing an Australian fleet of nuclear submarines using American and British technology, with Washington set to deliver three Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s, with the possibility of increasing the number to five, starting this year.
The second pillar focuses on developing advanced technologies, including marine robotics, quantum electronics, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, hypersonic weapons, and defense systems against them. In October 2024, the Australian Department of Defense announced an investment of tens of billions to build a new defense complex in the west of the country, which will become a center for maintaining AUKUS nuclear submarines, in addition to building landing ships and multi-purpose frigates.
