Canberra is advancing preparations for its future nuclear-powered submarine fleet by partnering with Gibbs & Cox, the Australian arm of Leidos, to design a contingency floating dry dock in Western Australia. The facility will support Virginia-class submarines expected to arrive under the AUKUS security partnership during the 2030s. Designed to provide emergency, unscheduled, and short-notice maintenance, the dry dock will complement larger depot-level servicing planned later in the submarines’ operational lives. The infrastructure is part of Australia’s wider investment in HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct, supporting the country’s development of sovereign submarine maintenance and shipbuilding capabilities. The facility is expected to meet national regulatory requirements as well as international nuclear safety standards. In another AUKUS-related development, Bisalloy has secured its first order from General Dynamics Electric Boat for HY80 submarine-grade steel, which will be used for US Navy Virginia-class submarines. The development strengthens Australia’s role in the AUKUS industrial supply chain.
