Australia to Invest $8 Billion in Aukus Defense Hub

Australia will spend A$12 billion ($8 billion) on a defense hub to build naval ships and dock nuclear submarines, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Sunday, as Canberra seeks to bolster US backing for the Aukus pact.

The funding commitment is for the development of the Henderson defense precinct, south of Perth in Western Australia, a statement from the prime minister said. Funding will also go towards building surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force and maintenance facilities.