The Federal Government has awarded several contracts under a qualification process that paves the way for Australian businesses to under the U.K. and U.S. submarine supply chains underscoring further progress in delivering the AUKUS program.
The Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program aims to enable Australian businesses to supply their products to the AUKUS trilateral submarine industrial base.
The program will also help Australian businesses by supporting high-skilled and well-paid jobs across the country, including Regional Australia.
Through the DIVQ program, the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is working with AUKUS partners to streamline processes and support the qualification of Australian businesses and their products and services.
“This qualification program is critical to delivering on AUKUS but also demonstrates how AUKUS can deliver for Australians and local businesses by providing opportunities for growth and jobs,” Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy MP said.
“It helps to fill the gaps within the supply chains of our AUKUS partners, giving greater strength and resilience to these supply chains.
“It also contributes to the development of Australian businesses ahead of the build and sustainment of our own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”
The contracts were given to HIFraser, Mack Valves, Bale Defence and STAUFF Corporation and will enable businesses to commence manufacturing samples of standard US Navy Valves and pipe fittings as part of their qualification. This is a critical step to becoming approved vendors in the U.S. submarine industrial base.
Once qualified, these businesses will have the chance to manufacture and supply valves or pipe fittings for use in the construction and sustainment of a range of navy platforms, including Virginia-class submarines.
This is a major effort to expand the Australian submarine industrial base, promote opportunities for Australian businesses in the U.K. and U.S. supply chains, and strengthen the resilience of the collective capacity through AUKUS.
For more information, visit the ICN Gateway.