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The Albanese Government has awarded a $4 billion contract to Austal Defence Australia for eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, aimed at transforming the Australian Army into a littoral fleet. The contract supports over 1,100 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs in Western Australia.

The vessels will be constructed at the Henderson Shipyard, with work starting in 2026 and completion of the eighth vessel by 2038. This initiative is part of continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia, enhancing the Defence Force's amphibious capabilities and regional humanitarian assistance efforts. The program follows a $1 billion contract for 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels awarded to Austal in December 2025.