New milestone as Australia appoints designer for nuclear-powered submarine dry dock

The contract will see the company develop the preliminary design for the floating dry dock, which will be based in Western Australia and provide a critical maintenance and repair capability for Australia’s future Virginia Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines.

The announcement marks another key milestone in Australia’s efforts to establish the sovereign infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to build, operate and sustain one of the nation’s most complex defence capabilities.

The contingency dry dock will form a vital component of the AUKUS submarine enterprise, enabling Australia to undertake emergency repairs and essential maintenance from the early 2030s before full depot-level sustainment capabilities become operational later in the decade.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the appointment demonstrated continued progress in delivering Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.

“The contingency dry dock capability is a critical step in building a sovereign submarine sustainment system. This investment ensures Australia will have the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to support our future nuclear-powered submarines," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Importantly, Defence said the capability is a prerequisite for Australia taking delivery of its first Virginia Class submarine under the AUKUS agreement while also providing an important contingency maintenance asset for allied submarine operations in the Indo-Pacific.

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The project forms part of the federal government’s broader investment in Western Australia’s defence industrial base, centred on HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct, which is rapidly emerging as Australia’s primary hub for submarine sustainment and naval shipbuilding.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the project highlighted the pace at which Australia’s AUKUS commitments were being delivered.

“The development of infrastructure at Henderson will position Western Australia at the centre of our submarine sustainment enterprise. This is another example of AUKUS delivering long-term industrial capability and highly skilled jobs for Australians,” Minister Conroy said.

The dry dock will be designed to meet Australia’s stringent nuclear safety, security and regulatory requirements, ensuring all maintenance activities comply with domestic legislation and the nation’s international non-proliferation obligations.

The appointment also supports the government’s broader investment of an initial $12 billion in developing the Henderson Defence Precinct, a program expected to underpin Australia’s future submarine sustainment enterprise while supporting around 10,000 direct jobs across Western Australia over the next two decades.

The appointment of Leidos Gibbs & Cox Australia represents another tangible step in Australia’s transition from operating conventional submarines to establishing a sovereign nuclear-powered submarine enterprise.

Leidos Australia Chief Executive Paul Chase said, "Australia’s nuclear submarine readiness depends on trusted capability, strong collaboration and the sustainment infrastructure needed to support long-term operations. Leidos’ floating dry dock design will help advance our sovereign capability and reflects our commitment to supporting a critical path for AUKUS succes."

Together with the expansion of HMAS Stirling, construction of the SSN-AUKUS shipyard at Osborne in South Australia and the rapid development of the Henderson Defence Precinct, the project underscores the scale of the industrial transformation underway as Australia prepares to field and sustain one of the world’s most advanced submarine fleets.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.