Last year, Australia revealed its intention to acquire at least eight nuclear-powered submarines as part of the newly created AUKUS pact with the United Kingdom and the United States. Prime Minister Morrison stated yesterday that the decision to create a base on the east coast has been in the works for many years as part of the transition from the present Collins class submarine fleet.
“The Government has now determined that to support our decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, establishing a second submarine base on our east coast will enhance our strategic deterrent capability, with significant advantages in operational, training, personnel and industrial terms. Based on early estimates we have provisioned nationally, more than $10 billion to meet the facilities and infrastructure requirements for the future transition from Collins to the future nuclear powered submarines over the next 20 years – that includes but is not exclusive to the east coast submarine base.”
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia
The present Collins Class submarine fleet of the Royal Australian Navy is based at Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling on Garden Island in Western Australia. The proposed east coast base, according to Prime Minister Morrison, will not replace existing facilities.
The Australian Government has designated three potential locations for the base’s construction: Brisbane, Newcastle, and Port Kembla.
The geographic requirements include closeness to industrial infrastructure, training and weapons storage facilities, proximity to a large population for staffing, and access to sufficient water depths, with location assessments expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
