US gains control of over half of Australia’s defence sites, sparking sovereignty concerns

The Nautilus Institute’s database maps US involvement in 110 Australian defence locations, more than 50% of the nation’s military sites. Direct US control covers 17 bases, with access granted to 75 Australian-run installations and 18 sites used by US defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Functions include satellite intelligence, training of 2,500 marines, storage of weapons and fuel, and pre-positioning of Osprey aircraft.

Defence Minister Richard Marles argues the expanding footprint strengthens national security against China, while scholars like Richard Tanter and Vince Scappatura contend it makes Australia a de-facto US base and erodes sovereign decision-making. Public sentiment is shifting, with recent polls showing declining trust in the United States and growing support for a more independent foreign policy.