WA premier Roger Cook and Defence Industries minister Paul Papalia are leading a strategic mission to the UK this week to boost Western Australia’s standing in the global defence sector and forge closer ties with key AUKUS partners.
The five-day visit aims to strengthen WA’s role in the construction and sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines, following UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of plans to build up to 12 additional subs in the coming decade.
WA’s defence manufacturing sector is already supplying parts for Australia’s submarine fleet and is seeking entry into both the US Virginia-class and UK Astute-class supply chains.
“From submarines to frigates, defence is Made in WA, and our local businesses are strongly positioned to support the construction and sustainment of Astute-class submarines,” said Papalia. “It’s a win for WA and our AUKUS partners.”
The WA Government will host a roundtable in London with defence industry leaders and meet UK officials including Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle and Trade Envoy to Australia, John Lord Spellar – both of whom recently visited WA. A visit to His Majesty’s Naval Base in Devonport, the UK’s sole nuclear refuelling site, is also on the agenda.
The mission also highlights WA’s clean energy ambitions following its participation in the World Hydrogen Summit, promoting the State’s renewable energy potential alongside its defence credentials.
Cook said the initiative is part of the broader Made in WA plan to diversify WA’s economy beyond resources.
“My government is working every day to ensure WA’s economy remains the strongest in the nation and that there is no better place in the world to get a quality job,” Cook said. “The defence industry is critical to our plans to diversify our economy, and that’s why this trip to strengthen AUKUS ties and unlock opportunities for local businesses is so important.”
Defence is projected to become WA’s second-largest industry, eclipsing agriculture and adding resilience to the State’s economic base.
