Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described Perth as central to Australia’s national security and its strategic engagement across the Indo-Pacific. Marles declared (7 October 2026) “Perth is quite literally the fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s geostrategic ground zero.”
Australia’s western and northern approaches provide direct access to the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and major international maritime trade routes. Australia’s greatest strategic vulnerability is not necessarily invasion, but the potential disruption of its economic connections and sea lines of communication.
Why Perth is strategically critical
Perth’s significance is underpinned by five factors:
- Geographic position: Western Australia faces the Indian Ocean and provides access to critical trade routes connecting Australia with India, Southeast Asia and global markets.
- AUKUS submarine operations: HMAS Stirling at Rockingham will host Submarine Rotational Force–West from 2027, supporting US and UK nuclear-powered submarine operations and Australia’s future fleet.
- Defence industrial capability: The Henderson Defence Precinct will support nuclear-powered submarine sustainment, naval shipbuilding and advanced maritime engineering.
- Regional defence cooperation: Western Australia supports military engagement with the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, India and Indonesia.
- Economic and technology development: Defence investment is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs and strengthen capabilities in advanced manufacturing, robotics, autonomous systems, cybersecurity and maritime technology.
Perth’s importance, as Australia’s front door to the world is recognised as critical to the nation’s strategic and economic security with its maritime connections.
WHY PERTH?
Perth is a central hub for Australia’s Indo-Pacific defence strategy, driven by its geographic position, proximity to critical Indian Ocean trade routes and expanding role in the AUKUS submarine program. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described Perth as the “fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific” and Australia’s “geostrategic ground zero”.
With HMAS Stirling supporting nuclear-powered submarine rotations from 2027 and the Henderson Defence Precinct being developed as a major naval sustainment and shipbuilding centre, Western Australia is becoming increasingly important to Australia’s defence capabilities, regional security partnerships and advanced technology industries.
The developments also create opportunities for international collaboration in robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and defence manufacturing.
