BLUF

This article discusses the strategic importance of expanding submarine facilities at Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, under the AUKUS agreement, highlighting its potential to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Summary

  1. Hosted over 170 Allied submarines in WW2.
  2. Submarine Rotational Force-West planned basing here.
  3. Support UK and US nuclear submarine rotations by 2027.
  4. $8 billion investment to expand HMAS Stirling's infrastructure.
  5. Strategic access to Southeast Asian straits and the Indian Ocean.

References