The award gives Newport News engineers and designers a role in developing SSN-AUKUS, the nuclear-powered submarine to be built by the United Kingdom and Australia. Their contribution forms part of the United States Industry Support effort.
The contract also continues work for Britain and Australia under Foreign Military Sales arrangements. It covers technology insertion, engineering, supply-chain and workforce development, and digital transformation.
“Our longstanding nuclear experience at NNS directly benefits the AUKUS mission to support shared security objectives,” said Bryan Caccavale, Newport News Shipbuilding’s vice president of program management. “We are honored to leverage that experience and contribute even more to the AUKUS partnership.”
HII already supports Australia’s submarine plans through several contracts across its divisions. Its Mission Technologies business in Australia delivers the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification program, known as AUSSQ.
That program identifies, develops and qualifies Australian companies to supply the U.S. submarine industrial base. HII is also working with Australian industry and academia to build the workforce needed for nuclear-powered submarine operations and support.
The workforce effort includes educating and training thousands of engineers, maritime specialists, nuclear tradespeople and other professionals. It is intended to support the Australian submarine enterprise throughout its lifecycle.
In December 2025, HII received the Australian Submarine Agency’s Nuclear Capability Advisory Services contract. That work provides nuclear program management and technical support for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programs.
