The Henderson submarine facility in Western Australia is becoming increasingly vital to Australia’s long-term defense strategy. Located in the suburb of Henderson near Perth, the facility is part of the Australian Marine Complex (AMC), a major industrial hub situated on Cockburn Sound. This location supports naval shipbuilding, maintenance, and technology development, and has been identified as a critical component of Australia’s submarine sustainment and upgrade capability.
Henderson has long served as a key site for maintaining Australia’s fleet of Collins-class submarines. These diesel-electric submarines, introduced in the 1990s, remain the backbone of Australia’s underwater defense. As these vessels age, the need for regular maintenance, full-cycle docking, and systems upgrades becomes more urgent. Henderson has supported this work through industry partnerships with defense contractors such as ASC (Australian Submarine Corporation), BAE Systems, and other private sector operators who specialize in submarine sustainment.
However, Henderson’s strategic importance is set to grow even further under the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Through AUKUS, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a significant leap in capability. This agreement requires major upgrades to Australia’s existing naval infrastructure, including Henderson, to support these future nuclear-powered vessels. Henderson is expected to play a supporting role in the AUKUS submarine transition by maintaining visiting US and UK submarines and potentially assisting in the construction and sustainment of Australia’s own future SSN-AUKUS-class submarines.
Recognizing the growing demand, the Australian government has pledged large-scale investments into the facility. These include plans to expand dry dock capabilities, enhance ship-lift and load-out systems, and modernize the technology used for naval repair and support. Such upgrades aim to ensure that Henderson is not only capable of maintaining traditional diesel-electric submarines but also ready to support the advanced needs of nuclear-powered fleets.
Despite these plans, there are concerns that progress is too slow. Defense experts and opposition leaders have warned that Henderson may fall behind in readiness if upgrades are not implemented more quickly. There is growing pressure on the federal government to increase funding and accelerate infrastructure development to meet strategic targets. As global threats shift and regional powers grow their military capabilities, Australia must ensure its naval facilities are prepared for emerging challenges.
The 2023 Defence Strategic Review highlighted the need to strengthen Australia’s maritime infrastructure, with Henderson named as a critical component in securing the Indo-Pacific region. The review emphasized that sovereign sustainment capacity is essential not only for protecting Australia’s territory but also for supporting allied operations. Henderson’s west coast location gives it unique importance, allowing direct access to the Indian Ocean and serving as a frontline base for maritime operations.
Australia’s ability to host allied nuclear submarines will also depend on the readiness of facilities like Henderson. Under the AUKUS arrangement, US and UK submarines are expected to rotate through Australian ports, which will require high-level maintenance and security infrastructure. Henderson’s future role will therefore extend beyond national defense to regional and global cooperation.
Emerging technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sonar, and anti-drone systems are also likely to be incorporated into future submarine programs. Henderson will need to evolve to support these innovations, reinforcing its position as a modern defense hub. Investment in skilled labor, engineering, and digital systems will be necessary to make the facility fully capable of supporting next-generation defense assets.
As Australia shifts from maintaining an aging submarine fleet to preparing for a nuclear-powered future, the Henderson submarine facility stands at the center of this transformation. Its strategic location, current capabilities, and potential for expansion make it a key asset in the nation’s defense posture. How quickly and effectively the government can upgrade Henderson may determine how well Australia can meet its future security needs.
