AUKUS Chiefs of Navy to meet in Western Australia

Western Australia’s growing defence importance has been made clear with the Chiefs of Navy for the three AUKUS nations to attend the Indian Ocean Defence and Security conference in Perth. The United States of America’s Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, United Kingdom First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Benjamin Key and Australia’s Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will all attend the event. Their visit to Perth will mark the first time the US, UK and Australian Chiefs of Navy have been in Australia at the same time. Having key naval figures attend IODS reflects the critical importance of Western Australia in the acquisition of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines that will be based at HMAS Stirling. From 2027, Perth will also be home to US and UK sailors who crew five nuclear-powered submarines on rotation through WA. The biennial conference and international industry exhibition will highlight challenges and opportunities for international engagement, and discuss how industry may support diplomacy, defence and security policy in the region. It will also feature events focused on defence career options, designed to attract a greater number of graduates and skilled professionals to the State’s growing defence industry. In 2022, IODS saw over 600 attendees with many government, academic and defence industry representatives travelling from interstate and overseas. Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said: “Having all three AUKUS nations’ Chiefs of Navy attend our Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference reinforces Western Australia’s central role in delivering and the ongoing sustainment of nuclear submarines. The rotation of nuclear-powered submarines through HMAS Stirling is a significant opportunity for our local defence industry and will support the diversification of our economy and create more jobs for Western Australians. The Cook Government’s continued investment in our local defence industry, including the IODS conference, further shows our confidence in Western Australia’s capability to support AUKUS.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]