New Undersea Cables Strengthen Australia's AUKUS Submarine Base

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The AUKUS submarine base along Australia’s western shores is rapidly becoming a hub for digital connectivity. Recent developments reveal that new undersea internet cables from Google in collaboration with SUBCO are strategically located close to HMAS Stirling, which will host U.S. nuclear-powered submarines in the future.

According to documents accessed by Reuters, three significant undersea cables will run from Australia to regions in Africa and Asia, landing near the naval base in Rockingham, situated south of Perth. This initiative aligns with the strengthening of ties between Canberra and Washington under the AUKUS agreement, aimed at enhancing digital and military capabilities amid escalating tensions with China.

SUBCO has confirmed that its upcoming high-capacity cable will include a specific branch directed to HMAS Stirling, despite publicly only mentioning a landing site around 60 kilometers north in Perth. The founder, Bevan Slattery, stated this network would be vital for regional stability and advancing Australia’s AI framework.

Google’s ambitions extend to constructing two substantial routes originating from Western Australia, one toward Christmas Island and another crossing the Indian Ocean to Africa. These will connect at Madora Bay, placing the AUKUS base at a pivotal point for global data movement.

This advancement is set to significantly bolster secure communications between Australia, the U.S., and allied nations. The relocation of around 1,000 U.S. Navy personnel to Rockingham and nearby Mandurah is anticipated next year, in preparation for the arrival of Virginia-class submarines starting in 2027.

While experts highlight the advantages of expanding underwater networks for swift communication, they also caution about increased risks of sabotage. The Australian navy has indicated that although these undersea cables are crucial for national digital connectivity, they simultaneously pose significant vulnerabilities.

Despite ongoing construction, Australia’s environmental authority has stalled the assessment of Google’s cable projects in Western Australia to scrutinize their impact on marine ecosystems. Google asserts its commitment to adhering to environmental and safety regulations.

The construction of these cables signifies more than just a tech upgrade—it indicates Australia’s emerging significance within a new digital and defense framework in the Indo-Pacific region.