The defence minister denies that a multi-billion dollar boost to naval capabilities for the AUKUS submarine deal is about easing the concerns of the United States.

The federal government unveiled a $12 billion investment in the Henderson Defence Precinct in Perth, where the nuclear submarines Australia will acquire under the pact will be able to dock.

US submarines would also be able to undergo maintenance at the facilities.

Uncertainty still clouds the $386 billion AUKUS deal, with the US undertaking a review as the Trump administration pushes its allies to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the defence capability boost was about increasing Australia's capabilities, and not just satisfying the US.

"It's also going

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