Why Henderson is Australia's $12 billion nuclear submarine base
Western Australia is building a $12 billion submarine dock at Henderson. It will service AUKUS nuclear submarines from the early 2030s.
Henderson is an industrial area south of Perth. It is being transformed into Australia's major naval hub.
The Australian Marine Complex opened there in 2003. Today it anchors Australia's biggest defence build-up since World War II.
In September 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed an extra $12 billion for submarine infrastructure. This money pays for docking facilities and maintenance.
Three Virginia-class submarines are arriving from the US in the early 2030s. Five British-designed SSN-AUKUS boats will follow.
Design work is now underway on a new dry dock, Australia's first since WWII. It will lift submarines out of the water for repair.
Eight new Mogami-class frigates will be built at Henderson from 2030. Premier Roger Cook's goal is to make Western Australia the southern hemisphere's biggest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub.
- $12 billion
- Investment
- 3 from US early 2030s
- Virginia-class submarines
- 5 British-designed boats
- SSN-AUKUS submarines
- 8 starting 2030
- Mogami-class frigates
Why it mattersAUKUS nations rely on Henderson to keep their submarine fleets operational in the Indo-Pacific. The base anchors the alliance's strategic presence in the region.
AustraliaHenderson construction will support about 10,000 jobs and transform WA's economy; the facility cements Australia's role in AUKUS partner nations' ongoing operations.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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