This contract will give BAE Systems access to the necessary data to evaluate how the battery system can be incorporated into submarine designs. Nickel zinc batteries offer about twice the energy capacity of traditional lead acid batteries, making them a strong candidate for use in the next generation of naval vessels.
The technology has been under development with the UK Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) for six years and is currently being targeted for the Astute Class submarines, with its role now expanding to support SSN-AUKUS. PMB continues to supply lead acid batteries to the Royal Navy under a separate SDA contract.
“This enablement contract with PMB is an example of the industrial uplift efforts underway to maximise and accelerate Australian industry participation in tri-lateral nuclear-powered submarine programs,” said Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Australia. “We’re committed to continuing to work closely with Australian companies, like PMB, to identify opportunities for them to be involved in SSN-AUKUS design and build activities.”
Stephen Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer, PMB Defence Engineering, said: “We are proud to contribute Australian innovation to one of the most complex defence programs in our nation’s history.” He added, “This contract will drive further growth in our Adelaide-based team and expand our local supply chain as we move towards production. The agreement also highlights the growing role of Australian industry in delivering advanced capability under the AUKUS partnership.”
The SSN-AUKUS submarines, based on the UK’s next-generation nuclear-powered design, will incorporate advanced technologies from the UK, Australia and the United States. BAE Systems and ASC were named in March 2024 as sovereign submarine build partners for Australia, with construction to take place in Osborne, South Australia.
