Australia to invest $10 billion in new submarine facilities

Australia will build a new submarine base on the east coast to support the nation’s new nuclear-powered submarines, providing deployment opportunities in both the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The Department of Defence has reviewed 19 potential sites and selected three preferred locations on the east coast: Brisbane, Newcastle, and Port Kembla. These were selected on submarine basing criteria, which include access to exercise operating areas and proximity to industrial infrastructure and significant population centres to support personnel and recruitment.

The new Future Navy Base will add capacity and capability to the existing Fleet Base West in WA, home of the Navy’s Collins-class submarines. Fleet Base West will receive significant funding to support Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines and enable regular visits from the United States and United Kingdom’s nuclear-powered submarines.

The Department of Defence estimates that more than $10 billion will be needed for facility and infrastructure requirements to transition from Collins to the future nuclear-powered submarines, including the new east coast submarine base.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision to establish an east coast submarine base has been under consideration for many years and would enhance Australia’s strategic deterrent capability in the Pacific Ocean.

“Under our AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom we will have access to the best technology in the world to support our efforts to deter threats against our national interest in the Indo-Pacific,” the Prime Minister said.

“This new 20-year investment is vital for our strategic capabilities, but it will also provide long-term economic opportunities at both our submarine bases on the east coast and on the west coast.”

The Government will invest significantly in its Western Australian operations, with funding flowing to upgrade facilities there for the RAN’s future submarines and to support Australia’s allies in the United States and United Kingdom.

“Fleet Base West will remain home to our current and future submarines, given its strategic importance on the Indian Ocean,” said the Prime Minister.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the Australian Defence Force had not constructed a major new base since Robertson Barracks in the 1990s, and an extensive process would now begin.

“We took the important decision in 2021 to pursue nuclear-powered submarines with the support of our American and British partners, in response to the changing strategic environment,” he said. “Nuclear-powered submarines have superior characteristics of stealth, speed, manoeuvrability, survivability and endurance when compared to conventional submarines.”

“With the ability to operate from both coasts, this will make our nuclear-powered submarines more responsive and resilient to meet the strategic environment.”

“Today’s announcement will ensure Australia has the infrastructure and facilities ready to support those submarines when they enter service,” he added. “A new Navy base on the east coast will also have significant advantages for training, personnel and for Australia’s defence industry.”

Navy’s current fleet of Collins-class submarines and other maritime capabilities will be able to be operated out of the new east coast base, which will provide critical support to the ADF’s undersea capability.

Defence will engage with state and local governments to determine the optimal site, which will be informed by the ongoing work of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce. This initial work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.