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The United States’ largest military shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and British engineering prime Babcock International Group have launched the H&B Defence company in Australia.
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Both companies have formed the new joint venture to accelerate Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program and push the development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS conventional armed, nuclear-powered submarine program.
H&B Defence combines nuclear submarine and shipbuilding experience from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to support the nation’s inaugural nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS.
HII Australia business lead Michael Lempke said both companies bring comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities to support the development of Australia’s sovereign capability.
“H&B marks a significant step forward in an enduring partnership. HII is excited to work through H&B Defence to leverage the deep-rooted experience and advanced methodologies from Australia, the UK, and the US to support AUKUS Pillar 1.
“This collaboration is a fusion of resources and visions – aiming to enhance capabilities and foster innovation in submarine technologies and maritime systems to strengthen national and global security while ensuring a safe and secure future.”
The company, headquartered in Canberra, will work with government and key stakeholders from industry and academic sectors to develop a comprehensive program to promote and grow a skilled sovereign nuclear workforce in Australia.
Babcock Australasia chief executive officer Andrew Cridland said HII and Babcock’s H&B Defence has been established to support all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1 – including workforce, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defuelling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.
“The formation of H&B Defence is an exciting day for Babcock Australasia as we continue to build on our existing and long-term partnership with the Australian government in support of our nation’s defences.
“H&B Defence brings together Babcock and HII’s collective history in nuclear and the best and brightest minds to support AUKUS Pillar 1.”
A 33-year veteran of the Royal Australian Navy, Tim Brown AM has been appointed H&B Defence managing director.
Brown, of Brisbane, has extensive knowledge and experience of Australia’s submarine program and Defence and industry strategy. He is a mechanical engineer who primarily served as a submarine officer and commanded both a Collins Class submarine and an Anzac Class frigate. As the Director General Submarines and head of the Submarine Profession, he led the submarine capability enterprise through a period of unheralded submarine availability and high levels of workforce growth, and he played an early and instrumental role in the AUKUS security partnership. Brown brings significant insight and leadership experience to drive the transformation and uplift of Australian industry to support the operation of nuclear-powered submarines.
The company board is chaired by HII’s president of the nuclear and environmental services and HII Australia business lead, Michael Lempke, and also includes Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland.
“H&B Defence’s mission is to transform Australia’s submarine industrial landscape to position the nation to operate nuclear submarines,” H&B managing director Tim Brown said.
"“This joint venture will focus on equipping Australia with the requisite industrial base, supply chains, and workforce required to support and manage all aspects of the nuclear-powered submarine lifecycle.”
H&B Defence combines world-leading experience from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to support the development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program.
Formed in 2024 as a joint venture between HII and Babcock, H&B Defence can support all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1, ensuring the nation is ready for Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines and SSN-AUKUS.
