## The Appointment
On 13 March 2026, the Australian Department of Defence announced that Bechtel Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd had been awarded the design services consultancy contract for the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. Bechtel will work closely with Defence, the Western Australian Government, and industry to develop an initial master plan for what will become Australia's primary hub for naval shipbuilding, ship sustainment, and submarine sustainment.
The contract is funded through the Government's initial $127 million commitment over three years to support planning, enabling works, and design activities. This investment signals the transition from concept to concrete planning for one of the most strategically significant infrastructure projects in Australia's defence history.
## What Henderson Will Support
The Henderson Defence Precinct is designed to support a range of capabilities, including:
- **Surface shipbuilding** — including the construction of Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels for the ADF
- **Surface combatant sustainment** — ongoing maintenance and upgrade of RAN frigates and destroyers
- **Contingency docking** — emergency dry-dock capacity for allied vessels
- **Submarine sustainment** — depot-level maintenance for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS
The precinct will ultimately serve as the primary maintenance facility for Virginia-class submarines operating in Australian waters from the 2030s, and later for SSN-AUKUS boats from the 2040s.
## Economic and Workforce Impact
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group David Hanley stated that the precinct "will not only strengthen our sovereign industrial base, but will also deliver thousands of jobs and a significant economic boost to Western Australia." The master plan will guide infrastructure layout, environmental studies, and feasibility assessments.
A new international partnership announced in March 2026 between Western Australia and a UK counterpart will further strengthen defence industry workforce skills development, contributing to the AUKUS agreement's human capital requirements.
## DISP and Security Requirements
The AUKUS programs impose security requirements that extend beyond holding a standard AGSVA clearance, reflecting the sensitivity of nuclear propulsion technology and classified submarine systems. Companies seeking to work at the Henderson Precinct — whether in construction, engineering, or ongoing operations — will need to hold DISP membership at the appropriate level and may require facility security clearances.
For SMEs in Western Australia's defence supply chain, the Henderson Precinct represents a generational opportunity. However, early investment in DISP compliance is essential to position for subcontracting roles before the major contracts are awarded.
*Source: Australian Department of Defence, 13 March 2026; Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, 10 March 2026; HSF Kramer, 18 March 2026.*
On 13 March 2026, the Australian Department of Defence announced that Bechtel Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd had been awarded the design services consultancy contract for the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. Bechtel will work closely with Defence, the Western Australian Government, and industry to develop an initial master plan for what will become Australia's primary hub for naval shipbuilding, ship sustainment, and submarine sustainment.
The contract is funded through the Government's initial $127 million commitment over three years to support planning, enabling works, and design activities. This investment signals the transition from concept to concrete planning for one of the most strategically significant infrastructure projects in Australia's defence history.
## What Henderson Will Support
The Henderson Defence Precinct is designed to support a range of capabilities, including:
- **Surface shipbuilding** — including the construction of Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels for the ADF
- **Surface combatant sustainment** — ongoing maintenance and upgrade of RAN frigates and destroyers
- **Contingency docking** — emergency dry-dock capacity for allied vessels
- **Submarine sustainment** — depot-level maintenance for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS
The precinct will ultimately serve as the primary maintenance facility for Virginia-class submarines operating in Australian waters from the 2030s, and later for SSN-AUKUS boats from the 2040s.
## Economic and Workforce Impact
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group David Hanley stated that the precinct "will not only strengthen our sovereign industrial base, but will also deliver thousands of jobs and a significant economic boost to Western Australia." The master plan will guide infrastructure layout, environmental studies, and feasibility assessments.
A new international partnership announced in March 2026 between Western Australia and a UK counterpart will further strengthen defence industry workforce skills development, contributing to the AUKUS agreement's human capital requirements.
## DISP and Security Requirements
The AUKUS programs impose security requirements that extend beyond holding a standard AGSVA clearance, reflecting the sensitivity of nuclear propulsion technology and classified submarine systems. Companies seeking to work at the Henderson Precinct — whether in construction, engineering, or ongoing operations — will need to hold DISP membership at the appropriate level and may require facility security clearances.
For SMEs in Western Australia's defence supply chain, the Henderson Precinct represents a generational opportunity. However, early investment in DISP compliance is essential to position for subcontracting roles before the major contracts are awarded.
*Source: Australian Department of Defence, 13 March 2026; Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, 10 March 2026; HSF Kramer, 18 March 2026.*