HMAS Stirling will accommodate 12 new Offshore Patrol Vessels after $248 million was approved to upgrade the base for the vessels.
The vessels will be constructed in both Western Australia and South Australia next year by German contractor by Lrssen.
The complete Main Support Base will feature new infrastructure such as wharfage, training facilities and more accommodation for navy personnel.
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READ NOWDefence Minister Marise Payne said the vessels would be the pride of the naval fleet.
“HMAS Stirling will be home base to two of our new Offshore Patrol Vessels and will be the Main Support Base, providing logistics and training support to the new patrol vessels,” she said.
“As set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper, the Offshore Patrol Vessels will provide our navy with greater capacity and capability for a range of operations, particularly border security and offshore resource protection.
WA Liberal Senator Slade Brockman said the project would offer local businesses work opportunities.
“This project is yet another example of the Turnbull Government delivering opportunities for local businesses in WA, while ensuring our nation’s safety and security,” he said.
“The home porting of Offshore Patrol Vessels and the establishment of the Capability Centre will increase defence personnel numbers in the region, which will provide a welcome boost to the local economy.”
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