Australia Invests Big in New Submarine Shipyard

Australia announced a hefty investment of A$3. 9 billion to kick off construction of a new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb of Adelaide. The yard will play a key role in building nuclear‑powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the United States and Britain. This move follows a 2021 pledge that marks the country’s biggest defence spending ever. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the payment a “down‑payment” for the Osborne yard, stressing its importance for Australia’s future submarine fleet. He also highlighted that the total project could reach about A$30 billion over the coming decades. The shipyard will not only house future nuclear builds but also maintain the current Collins‑class submarines.South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the initial funds will fund essential infrastructure, noting that this is just the start of a larger effort. The yard will host joint work between Australia’s ASC and Britain’s BAE Systems, which is central to the AUKUS agreement. A recent Pentagon review praised the project’s potential but urged Australia to accelerate its progress in developing nuclear submarine capability. The investment signals a strong commitment to strengthening regional security and defence collaboration.