Preparing for the build of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia

The Australian government has signed a tripartite agreement between the Australian Submarine Agency, ASC and BAE Systems to commence preparatory work for the build of Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines. This agreement is essentially an enabler of the planned Joint Venture  which will build Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia.

“These mobilisation arrangements provide the foundation that will underpin a generational uplift in Australia’s industrial base for the construction of this critical capability,” said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.

“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.”

In March this year, the Albanese Government announced ASC and BAE Systems as the sovereign submarine partners to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. With the tripartite agreement these companies have entered into a collaborative mobilisation agreement which will enable planning, workforce development and procurement activities that will set the foundations for the project.

“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 Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.

”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.”

Through these arrangements, ASC and BAE Systems will:

• 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
• undertake risk-reduction activities, initially through validating infrastructure requirements, configuring production, test and evaluation processes and conducting prototyping activities

The Australian government’s commitment to an Australian-built nuclear-powered submarine for the ADF will develop and expand Australia’s local industrial base and supply chains, supporting Australian jobs, business and infrastructure.

ASC and BAE Systems – and, once established, the Joint Venture – will continue to work collaboratively within the wider submarine enterprise as we progress toward our most historic defence capability acquisition yet.