Defence media release 29th July 2026

AUKUS is taking another important step, with the selection of a designer for the submarine contingency dry dock capability in support of Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Leidos Gibbs and Cox Australia has been selected to lead the preliminary design for a contingency dry dock, which will be established in Western Australia to support our future nuclear-powered submarine capability.

Artist’s impression of the intended floating dock – Australian Submarine Agency

This announcement reflects the Government’s considered approach to delivering this capability and forms part of the Government’s broader investment in Western Australia across HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct.

This contingency dry dock capability is a critical precondition of Australia receiving its first Virginia class submarine and will provide a critical contingency capability for Australia and its partners. These vital maintenance capabilities will be established in accordance with domestic processes and regulatory requirements, and consistent with Australia’s international obligations to maintaining the highest standards for nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

In addition to supporting a strong, sovereign industrial base, a contingency dry dock capability will play a vital role in ensuring Australia can sustain and operate its future submarine fleet and work with our partners in the United States and the United Kingdom to support security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.