Australia to Build $7.3 Billion Nuclear Submarine Base

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the country plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine base on its east coast for A$10 billion ($7.3 billion).

Morison said 19 potential and three preferred sites in Brisbane, Newcastle, and Port Kembla have been provisionally selected for the base, which will be in addition to the operational base on the west coast housing the Australian Navy’s diesel-electric Collins submarines.

“The decision to establish an east coast submarine base has been many years in the making as part of our transition from Collins,” the prime minister revealed at the Lowy Institute, Sydney.

“However, the government has now determined that to support our decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, establishing a second submarine base on our east coast will enhance our strategic deterrent capability, with significant advantages in operational, training, personnel, and industrial terms.”