The qualification program will generate opportunities for Australian industry to potentially contribute their expertise and capabilities into the supply chain for both the Australian and UK build programs for the future SSN-AUKUS fleets. This program will add to ASC’s work to drive the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) program, supporting the AUKUS nations’ submarine build and sustainment programs.
The SSN-AUKUS qualification program is calling for expressions of interest (EOIs) from suppliers who can deliver products ranging from ‘small metal fabrications’ to ‘large structural fabrications’.
The opportunity is open to both current defence suppliers and companies seeking to enter the defence industry supply chain for the first time, and will help establish a robust, nationwide network of Australian suppliers that can directly support the build program for the SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Announced at the inaugural AUKUS National Supply Chain Conference in Adelaide—an event bringing together government, industry leaders and participants, and AUKUS partners—the EOI is the first of many opportunities for Australian industry to become involved in the future submarine build program.
The qualification program and EOIs are open:
BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer, Craig Lockhart:
“Together with ASC, BAE Systems are drawing on decades of expertise and knowledge in establishing robust supply chains and facilitating advanced technology transfer, to ensure the creation of a lasting and sovereign industrial base for the SSN-AUKUS program.
“Australian industry will be key to the success of Australia’s future sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability and will enable us to deliver these next-generation submarines to the Royal Australian Navy.”
ASC Chief Executive Officer, Alex Walsh:
“The SSN-AUKUS program represents one of the most significant industrial undertakings in Australia’s history, and Australian businesses will play a central role in delivering it.
“Through this qualification program we are opening the door for Australian manufacturers to demonstrate the precision, quality and capability required to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines.
“ASC has worked alongside Australian industry for more than four decades to build and sustain the Collins Class fleet — in partnership with BAE Systems — we look forward to building on that strong foundation as we help to grow a sovereign supply chain capable of supporting both the Australian and UK SSN-AUKUS programs.
