The SSN-AUKUS submarine will be based on the UK’s next-generation design and will feature technology contributions from Australia, the UK, and the US. The partnership aims to deliver a world-class submarine capable of meeting Australia’s long-term defence needs.
This collaboration draws on over 150 years of collective experience across the three nations in combat system design, integration, and delivery. The goal is to create a cutting-edge solution that manages programme risks and accelerates capability deployment.
The companies have agreed to jointly develop a tri-national Command System for both Australia and the UK, based on General Dynamics’ existing AN/BYG-1 system. The design will support Australian sovereignty while leveraging existing industrial bases and workforces.
The AN/BYG-1 is a modular submarine combat control system that integrates tactical, payload, and weapons functions, and is already in use aboard Australia’s Collins class and several US Navy submarine classes. Its use in the SSN-AUKUS programme is expected to reduce integration risks and enhance interoperability.
The collaborative team intends to maximise Australian participation in the system’s design and build, while enabling knowledge, skills and technology transfer across the AUKUS alliance. This is expected to strengthen local industry and ensure long-term capability support.
Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding is another strategic step forward to developing the most effective and advanced combat system for SSN-AUKUS, simultaneously strengthening Australia’s operational sovereignty and industrial capability.” He added: “By aligning with our industry and trilateral partners, this signing will accelerate and enhance combat system development that is interoperable by design, reaffirming our role as a trusted partner to the Commonwealth of Australia and Royal Australian Navy.”
Ohad Katz, Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, said: “As Australia’s sovereign submarine combat system partner, Raytheon Australia and our workforce bring more than 25 years of expertise in design, integration and sustainment, including upgrades and updates, of the Collins Class submarine combat system to this team, establishing the base for a truly sovereign capability ready to deliver the RAN’s most ambitious naval program.” He continued: “As the RAN moves to a multi-class submarine fleet, leveraging the existing workforce, with proven processes that sustain Collins will ensure continuity, confidence, and low-risk delivery.”
Laura Hooks, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems, said: “We are excited to formalize a collaborative path forward as we work together to strengthen critical defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.” She added: “The MOU acknowledges that the team successfully delivering submarine combat system capability to the three nations via separate efforts today should be entrusted to sustain and integrate combat systems aboard Virginia and AUKUS submarines in the future, ensuring continuity, confidence, and low-risk delivery. It sets a standard of teamwork that will allow us to more efficiently explore future business opportunities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.”
Steven Lockley, Chief Operating Officer of Underwater Systems, Defence Mission Systems at Thales UK, said: “Success on international programmes such as AUKUS requires strong international partners in order to deliver maximum customer value and sustained capability. Thales is pleased to continue its long-term Combat Systems relationships with BAES and Raytheon Australia and look forward to also working with a new partner in General Dynamics, Mission Systems. Together, we will deliver a hugely capable and sustainable AUKUS Combat System maximising the attributes of our companies across the AUKUS countries.”
