Honeywell awarded contract to support AUKUS Submarine Industrial Base pilot program

The AUKUS partnership, established in 2021 by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is designed to enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. One of its key objectives is to strengthen industrial cooperation and build a more resilient trilateral supply chain for advanced defence technology.

A crucial aspect of the AUKUS submarine initiative is the development of Australia’s nuclear stewardship capabilities, ensuring a secure and reliable supply chain. The program is expected to support a workforce of over 30,000 people in Australia and 100,000 in the United States, creating significant industrial and employment opportunities.

Under this contract, Honeywell will establish a secure network of suppliers and partners to enhance submarine production and sustainment. The company’s extensive experience in nuclear stewardship and submarine component production positions it as a key player in mobilising the AUKUS Team SIB.

Lee Davis, Head of Defence and Space Australia at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, described the program as a landmark defence initiative for Australia. He emphasised Honeywell’s long-standing expertise in supporting the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine industry and its ability to lead industrial cooperation across the three AUKUS nations.

Honeywell is working alongside U.S.-based partners Orbis Sibro Inc., Argus Enterprises, and Massa Products Corporation, as well as Australian cybersecurity company Senetas. Additional Australian companies are expected to join the initiative as the program progresses over the next two years.

Industry leaders have expressed support for the program, highlighting its impact on submarine design, acquisition, and sustainment. They also stressed the importance of integrating small and midsize enterprises into the growing AUKUS industrial base, strengthening trilateral cooperation in defence technology.