IRIA News

3 minute read

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) signed a contract with BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd to mark a significant step forward in the development of the nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines SSN AUKUS fleet for the Royal Australian Navy.

The newly signed agreement focuses on critical aspects of the AUKUS submarine program, including building strategy, supply chain management, and workforce development, paving the way for a sovereign nuclear submarine manufacturing capability in Australia.

Stuart Whiley, Chief Executive Officer of ASC, underscored the significance of this milestone, noting, “The Tasking Statement is an important step in establishing a sovereign nuclear submarine build capability in Australia. The program is anticipated to generate thousands of highly skilled jobs over its lifetime.”

Whiley also highlighted the long-term vision and generational impact of the SSN AUKUS program, remarking, “The children at school today will be the ones building our submarine fleet of tomorrow.” This sentiment reflects the program’s ambition to establish a sustainable and enduring defense industry in Adelaide.

As part of the broader AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States, the SSN AUKUS initiative brings together multinational expertise to create a cutting-edge fleet of submarines.

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines division, spoke to the complexity and significance of the project. “SSN AUKUS is our contribution to the critical tri-national security partnership. The safe build, test, and commissioning of nuclear submarines is a hugely complex engineering endeavor. Through these agreements, we’re able to share our vast experience of nuclear submarine capabilities with our industry partners to support the build of submarines in Australia.”

The submarines, designed for stealth and endurance, are equipped with advanced materials and technologies, enabling them to perform diverse missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and underwater warfare. The program is poised to enhance Australia’s strategic defense capabilities, while also strengthening ties with its AUKUS partners.

Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia, acknowledged the challenges inherent in such an ambitious project, stating, “It is a complex build challenge that industry partners are coming together to deliver.” The collaboration between government and industry is expected to address these challenges by integrating expertise and resources from all partners.

Over the past eight months, the project has achieved several milestones, showcasing the commitment of all stakeholders. In November, the ASA, BAE Systems, and ASC signed an AUKUS Mobilisation Deed, providing a comprehensive framework for collaboration with the Australian government. This agreement was built on the Heads of Agreement and the tri-lateral announcement of Australia’s shipbuilders made in March.

Integrated Project Teams have been established to oversee key areas, including nuclear stewardship, infrastructure development, and operational readiness. Essential business functions, such as nuclear safety and assurance, are already in place to support the project’s successful execution. These measures ensure that the program meets its strategic goals and adheres to stringent safety and operational standards.

The SSN AUKUS program represents a transformative step for Australia’s defense industry and its role in global security. By leveraging the collective expertise of the AUKUS partnership, Australia is positioning itself as a leader in advanced submarine manufacturing, with the potential to influence the defense landscape for generations to come.

As the project moves forward, the collaborative efforts of the Australian Submarine Agency, BAE Systems, ASC, and the Australian government will remain pivotal. With thousands of highly skilled jobs on the horizon and a fleet of state-of-the-art submarines in development, the SSN AUKUS initiative stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration and innovation in safeguarding national security.