From docks to doctrine: The race to build Australia¡¯s ¡®nuclear-ready¡¯ AUKUS backbone
May 08, 2026
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Chris Waywell, Rob Sansbury, and Robert Fogel discuss getting infrastructure ready for submarines in this Defence Connect Special Report
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Australia¡¯s transition to nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS imposes vast demands on ports and naval infrastructure. Canberra must rapidly upgrade bases and shipyards to handle US Virginia Class and future SSN-AUKUS submarines, a task estimated at tens of billions of dollars and spanning into the late 2030s.
Government and industry planning documents emphasise the scale: the Albanese government has earmarked $8?billion for HMAS Stirling upgrades and $12?billion for a new Henderson Defence Precinct, with an initial $3.9?billion down payment on a $30?billion nuclear-capable build hall at Osborne, South Australia.
Key priorities include deepening docks, building secure maintenance facilities and installing radiation©\safe systems. Australian and allied regulators (under the new?Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024?and existing?Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act)?will enforce stringent nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards.
Chris Waywell, Rob Sansbury, and Robert Fogel discuss getting infrastructure ready for submarines in this Defence Connect special report.
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