Arms company H&B Defence has been selected to identify Australian companies that can support the supply chain for the country’s submarine and aircraft carrier program with the UK and the US.
The firm will evaluate suppliers of castings and forgings, precision machining, fabrication of parts, composite and glass-reinforced plastic, and other specializations needed to advance AUKUS first three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines.
Shortlisting of qualified small and medium enterprises will begin within the month, followed by a more rigorous set of technical assessments.
The company will also fulfill a supporting role in workforce skills development, nuclear infrastructure development, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.
“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,” H&B non-executive director Andrew Cridland said.
H&B is a joint venture between defense firms HII and Babcock.
AUKUS Updates
The AUKUS submarine program has seen updates in its planning phase, having established a framework focusing on information exchange, supply chain coordination, and workforce training in December.
The countries also confirmed plans to build a new shipyard at Osborne in New South Wales to support the submarines’ construction.
Additionally, the UK spearheaded assessment trials for the Hugin Superior autonomous system earlier this year, which will be used by the alliance as a mine countermeasure, as well as a subsea infrastructure security unit.
The drone is expected to patrol the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions after completing trials.
