AUKUS Submarine Drive Intensifies with Major Industry Moves at Indo-Pacific 2025
Australia accelerates nuclear-powered submarine programme as local industry secures contracts and supply-chain validation under AUKUS framework
Australia is intensifying its involvement in the nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS security partnership, amid a surge of actionable announcements at the Indo-Pacific 2025 maritime exposition in Sydney.
The country’s commitment was underscored by key industry and supply-chain milestones that reflect escalating momentum in an endeavour described by defence executives as “once you’re in, you’re in.”
A new strategic agreement announced by the Australian Department of Defence paves the way for South Australian firm PMB Defence to supply advanced nickel-zinc battery systems to both Australian and British SSN-AUKUS submarines, in partnership with UK-based BAE Systems.
The contract is valued at more than A$34 million (approximately US$22 million).
On the local industry front, the joint venture H&B Defence—formed by Huntington Ingalls Industries and Babcock International Group—has issued expressions of interest to more than 378 Australian companies for participation in the nuclear submarine supply-chain.
On 4 November, a select group of firms including CQMS, AW Bell, AJAX, Hycast, Intercast, Supashock, Camco, Stella, Ferra, Axiom and Marand were validated under the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification programme—a pre-requisite for inclusion in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-submarine supply ecosystem.
Further announcements at the event highlighted advanced capability themes under AUKUS Pillar 2, especially unmanned under-sea vehicles.
The U.S. Navy and industrial partners demonstrated the launch and recovery of a REMUS 620 autonomous under-water vehicle from a Virginia-class SSN, underlining cooperative prospects for Australia in unmanned sensor and strike systems.
Despite the rapid pace of industrial alignment, Australian authorities continue to emphasise that full national commitment and follow-through will be essential.
The submarine enterprise remains Australia’s most ambitious defence-industrial project: the government’s Formal Submarine Strategy underscores that Australia must transform its shipyards at Osborne (South Australia) and Henderson (Western Australia) to deliver sovereign capability.
The efforts align with earlier investments: Canberra has pledged A$12 billion (roughly US$8 billion) toward a naval ship-building and sustainment precinct in support of AUKUS-linked infrastructure.
The strategy forms part of the long-term vision for the SSN-AUKUS programme, under which Australia and its AUKUS allies will co-design and build next-generation nuclear-powered submarines, supported by common combat systems, propulsion, weapons and supply-chains.
The pathway ahead remains demanding.
The lead-boats are expected still to be delivered well into the 2030s and 2040s—meaning Australia must sustain its efforts over decades and resist delays or capability gaps.
For now, the announcements at Indo-Pacific 2025 mark a substantive shift from planning to execution, and Australian industry is moving into gear under the eyes of its international partners.
The country’s commitment was underscored by key industry and supply-chain milestones that reflect escalating momentum in an endeavour described by defence executives as “once you’re in, you’re in.”
A new strategic agreement announced by the Australian Department of Defence paves the way for South Australian firm PMB Defence to supply advanced nickel-zinc battery systems to both Australian and British SSN-AUKUS submarines, in partnership with UK-based BAE Systems.
The contract is valued at more than A$34 million (approximately US$22 million).
On the local industry front, the joint venture H&B Defence—formed by Huntington Ingalls Industries and Babcock International Group—has issued expressions of interest to more than 378 Australian companies for participation in the nuclear submarine supply-chain.
On 4 November, a select group of firms including CQMS, AW Bell, AJAX, Hycast, Intercast, Supashock, Camco, Stella, Ferra, Axiom and Marand were validated under the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification programme—a pre-requisite for inclusion in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-submarine supply ecosystem.
Further announcements at the event highlighted advanced capability themes under AUKUS Pillar 2, especially unmanned under-sea vehicles.
The U.S. Navy and industrial partners demonstrated the launch and recovery of a REMUS 620 autonomous under-water vehicle from a Virginia-class SSN, underlining cooperative prospects for Australia in unmanned sensor and strike systems.
Despite the rapid pace of industrial alignment, Australian authorities continue to emphasise that full national commitment and follow-through will be essential.
The submarine enterprise remains Australia’s most ambitious defence-industrial project: the government’s Formal Submarine Strategy underscores that Australia must transform its shipyards at Osborne (South Australia) and Henderson (Western Australia) to deliver sovereign capability.
The efforts align with earlier investments: Canberra has pledged A$12 billion (roughly US$8 billion) toward a naval ship-building and sustainment precinct in support of AUKUS-linked infrastructure.
The strategy forms part of the long-term vision for the SSN-AUKUS programme, under which Australia and its AUKUS allies will co-design and build next-generation nuclear-powered submarines, supported by common combat systems, propulsion, weapons and supply-chains.
The pathway ahead remains demanding.
The lead-boats are expected still to be delivered well into the 2030s and 2040s—meaning Australia must sustain its efforts over decades and resist delays or capability gaps.
For now, the announcements at Indo-Pacific 2025 mark a substantive shift from planning to execution, and Australian industry is moving into gear under the eyes of its international partners.
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