Australia expands western shipbuilding precinct and sidelines Luerssen
An aerial view of the existing Austal shipyard in the northern part of the Henderson defence precinct in Perth. (Photo: ADF)
Australia’s investment in naval infrastructure will aim to support its expanding fleet and will focus on the Henderson naval shipbuilding precinct, but challenges remain as Luerssen exits the market due to delays in the Arafura-class project.
As Australia prepares to induct nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) and expand its surface combatant fleet, the government is cueing up infrastructure improvements to permit the country’s naval build-up.
Canberra announced last month that it would be pouring billions of dollars into expanding the Henderson naval shipbuilding precinct in Perth, Western Australia (WA). The site will handle construction of eight general-purpose frigates, 18 medium and eight heavy landing craft and six large optionally crewed surface vessels, as well as depot-level SSN maintenance, for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The government has said it would spend A$127 million (US$84 million) over the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
