A new tripartite agreement has been signed between the Australian Submarine Agency, ASC and BAE Systems to commence preparatory work for the build of Australia’s nuclear SSN-AUKUS submarines.
In March this year, the Federal Government announced ASC and BAE Systems as its sovereign submarine partners to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
Today, these companies have entered into a collaborative mobilisation agreement which will enable planning, workforce development and procurement activities that set the foundations for this project.
“Today’s announcement is another major milestone towards the construction of Australia’s SSN‑AUKUS submarines in South Australia,” said deputy prime minister, Richard Marles.
“Construction of Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS submarine will commence in Australia by the end of this decade and the work to deliver this capability is already well underway. This will be a whole-of-nation undertaking, one which will provide Australia with robust and resilient supply chains that enhance our national security.”
Through these arrangements, ASC and BAE Systems are set to:
- develop critical plans and schedules for the mobilisation of the SSN-AUKUS build program;
- invest in developing and growing the submarine workforce;
- procure long lead items; and;
- undertake risk-reduction activities, initially through validating infrastructure requirements, configuring production, test and evaluation processes and conducting prototyping activities.
The Federal Government’s commitment to an Australian-built nuclear-powered submarine for the Australian Defence Force is set to develop local industrial bases and supply chains, supporting Australian jobs, business and infrastructure.
ASC and BAE Systems – and once established, the Joint Venture – is set to continue to work collaboratively within the wider submarine enterprise as they progress toward the most historic defence capability acquisition yet.
“The enduring partnership between ASC and BAE Systems solidified today is a monumental strategic asset for Australia and one that will provide decades of certainty for our defence industrial base and financial security for thousands of workers,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy.
”This agreement enables critical scopes of work, including the development of the Australian shipbuilding workforce and supply chain, and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia.”
