AUKUS Partnership Drives Australia’s Preparations for Virginia-Class SubmarinesAustralia is moving ahead with infrastructure preparations for its future Virginia-class submarine fleet by commissioning Gibbs & Cox, the Australian arm of Leidos, to develop the preliminary design of a contingency floating dry dock in Western Australia.The facility is expected to provide emergency repairs, unscheduled maintenance, and other short-notice support once Australia begins receiving nuclear-powered submarines in the 2030s. It will operate alongside planned depot-level maintenance infrastructure and could potentially support submarines from other AUKUS nations.The dry dock project is part of a wider modernization effort at HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct, strengthening Australia’s ability to independently sustain advanced naval assets. The facility will also have to comply with nuclear safety, regulatory, and international requirements.A second AUKUS development involves Australian steelmaker Bisalloy, which has secured its first purchase order from General Dynamics Electric Boat for HY80 submarine-grade steel. The material will be used for US Navy Virginia-class submarines, marking an important step in integrating Australian industry into the wider AUKUS supply chain.
