H&B Defence secures major contract to boost AUKUS submarine supply chain

The joint venture will act as the delivery partner for HII’s initial contract and will lead a nationwide qualification process over the next two years. The aim is to identify Australian suppliers with the necessary skills and products to support the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier build programmes at Newport News Shipbuilding in the United States.

H&B Defence will assess competency across seven work packages that are essential for the delivery of the first three nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. The product categories include Castings and Forgings, Precision Machining, Air and Gas Flasks, Fabricated Parts, Composites and Glass Reinforced Plastic, Joinery, and Circuit Cards.

Shortlisting of suitable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is set to begin in May, with more formal technical assessments and validations to follow. This process is designed to ensure that only qualified suppliers meet the stringent requirements of the submarine programme.

The contract also includes support for each stage of Australia’s transition to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1. This encompasses workforce skills development, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste management, and future sustainment.

Michael Lempke, H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President, stated: “H&B Defence brings together the only two organisations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and as such, is perfectly placed to support the acceleration and development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS submarine programme.”

Andrew Cridland, Babcock Australasia CEO and H&B Defence Non-Executive Director, expressed his commitment to the project, saying: “Securing this contract signals the beginning of a long-term commitment and willingness to deliver innovative, reliable solutions in support of Australia’s national security and that of our allies. We’re proud to partner with HII and the Commonwealth of Australia to strengthen supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless operations and long-term benefits for all members of the AUKUS alliance.”

The partnership between HII and Babcock under H&B Defence aims to play a pivotal role in building Australia’s capability within the AUKUS alliance. This initiative reflects a significant step towards bolstering defence readiness and enhancing strategic autonomy in the region.