Australia's Defence Upgrade: AUKUS Pact Set to Transform Submarine Maintenance

Australia is set to enhance its defence infrastructure significantly, investing A$12 billion in facilities that will support nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS pact. This ambitious plan aims to create a maintenance hub at the Henderson shipyard, preparing it to oversee future submarine activity.

The AUKUS agreement, forged with the United States and Britain, is designed to bolster Australia's military capabilities by the next decade with cutting-edge submarines to counter regional threats from China. As part of this initiative, the U.S. will provide Virginia-class submarines, while a new AUKUS-class vessel will eventually be constructed.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has indicated confidence in the pact's progress, supported by ongoing dialogues with U.S. officials, despite a formal review by the Trump administration. The strategic importance of the pact has been echoed in Washington, ensuring strong bipartisan backing for its objectives.

(With inputs from agencies.)