A database compiled by the Nautilus Institute and published by Guardian Australia reveals that the U.S. military controls or has access to over 100 defense facilities on Australian soil. This includes 17 facilities directly controlled by the U.S. military and 75 more that are Australian-run but accessible to the U.S. Additionally, U.S. defense corporations have access to 18 more facilities, bringing the total to 110. These sites are used for a range of military operations, including intelligence gathering, satellite data access, training, pre-positioning military assets, logistics, and other strategic functions. Among these facilities, 92 are under U.S. control or access. Some, like Pine Gap in the Northern Territory, are well-known and play critical roles in identifying targets for overseas U.S. strikes. Others, such as the Bradshaw field training area, are large but less publicized. Recently, the Bandiana base in Wodonga was announced as a site for pre-positioned U.S. weapons, munitions, fuel, and vehicles to enable rapid deployment in the Pacific region during a conflict. At least 42 Australian military facilities are used by U.S. defense contractors for the manufacturing, testing, and training of weapons systems. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman have contracts to build guided missiles and rocket motors in various locations across Australia. The Australian Defense Force states that these collaborations enhance allied interoperability and provide a backup supply chain for critical military equipment. Pine Gap is the most famous of these facilities, serving as a hub for signals intelligence, missile early warning systems, and satellite communication interception. While officially a "joint defense facility," it is always commanded by an American. The Force Posture agreement allows U.S. forces and contractors to use Australian facilities freely, including deploying military personnel, storing equipment, and refueling aircraft. The U.S. military presence in Australia is expected to grow, with up to 1,200 U.S. military personnel stationed at the HMAS Stirling submarine base near Fremantle starting next year. The Australian government describes this as a "rotation" rather than a base. Some analysts argue that the Aukus nuclear submarine agreement with the U.S. and the U.K. implies a new U.S. submarine base in the Indian Ocean, which could provide a strategic advantage for the U.S. Prof. Richard Tanter of the Nautilus Institute suggests that the U.S. military expansion in Australia is primarily in the interest of the U.S., with Australia serving as a staging ground for potential conflicts, particularly with China. From a Chinese perspective, Australia is seen as an extension of the U.S. military infrastructure in the region. There is no official, comprehensive record of foreign military access to Australian bases. The database was compiled from public information, government reports, and commercial sources. Tanter notes that the U.S. military presence has become deeply embedded in Australian defense and government structures, making it challenging to reduce the country’s dependence on the U.S. Defence Minister Richard Marles has emphasized the importance of the growing U.S. military presence in Australia for building national security and military capability. He recently met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to accelerate military initiatives and strengthen joint operations. A defense department spokesperson reiterated that Australia does not allow foreign bases on its territory and maintains sole control over its military deployment and use of land. However, public trust in the U.S. has declined, with a Lowy Institute poll showing that only 31% of Australians believe the U.S. acts responsibly on the world stage. Confidence in former President Donald Trump is even lower, with just 21% trusting him to handle global affairs correctly. Over half of Australians believe Trump poses a greater threat to global security than Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping. More than 59% believe Australia would be better off pursuing a more independent foreign policy rather than a closer alliance with the U.S. Dr. Emma Shortis of the Australia Institute describes this shift in public opinion as a “seismic change” in how Australians view the U.S. She points to the Trump administration’s tendency to abandon security commitments and the recent attack on an Iranian frigate by a U.S. nuclear submarine, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including three Australian naval personnel. The U.S. did not warn Australia about the attack in advance. Dr. Albert Palazzo of the University of New South Wales Canberra warns that the U.S. military buildup in Australia could pose a risk to Australian security, suggesting the country is becoming a staging ground for U.S. military operations against China. Dr. Vince Scappatura of the Australia Institute describes the U.S. access to Australian bases as a form of “second wave of colonization” and a kind of “voluntary subordination” to U.S. interests.