H&B Defence has secured its first contract to support the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening Australia’s supply chain capabilities.

A joint venture between HII and Babcock, H&B Defence is leading the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program. The A$9.6 million contract, awarded by the Australian Government, formalises H&B Defence’s role in delivering the program.

H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President Michael Lempke said the joint venture brings unmatched global expertise to the program.

“H&B Defence brings together the only two organisations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and as such, is perfectly placed to support the acceleration and development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS submarine program,” he said.

The program will identify and qualify Australian suppliers capable of supporting the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier build programs at Newport News Shipbuilding in the United States.

Over the next two years, H&B Defence will lead a nationwide qualification process to assess local supplier capabilities across seven high-demand Work Packages:

• castings and forgings
• precision machining
• air and gas flasks
• fabricated parts
• composites and glass reinforced plastic
• joinery
• circuit cards.

Shortlisting of suitable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will commence in May, followed by further technical assessments and validations.

Babcock Australasia CEO and H&B Defence Non-Executive Director Andrew Cridland, said the contract represents a long-term commitment to Australia’s national security.

“We’re proud to partner with HII and the Commonwealth of Australia to strengthen supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless operations and long-term benefits for all members of the AUKUS alliance.”

The initiative forms part of Australia’s commitment under AUKUS Pillar 1, which focuses on the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

H&B Defence will also provide support including workforce development, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.

Image: Tim Brown AM, Managing Director, H&B Defence and Dave Soldow, VP of Operations, HII nuclear Australia.