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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have announced the formalisation of a “tripartite” agreement between the Australian Submarine Agency, ASC and BAE Systems for the build of Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines.
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This agreement follows the announcement in March of this year, where the government announced ASC and BAE Systems as the nation’s sovereign submarine partners to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
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 Deputy Prime Minister said, “Today’s announcement is another major milestone towards the construction of Australia’s SSN‑AUKUS submarines in South Australia.”
Today, these world-leading companies have entered into a collaborative mobilisation agreement which will enable planning, workforce development and procurement activities that will set the foundations for this complex, yet vital project.
“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,” Minister Marles said.
The Albanese government’s commitment to an Australian-built nuclear-powered submarine for the Australian Defence Force will not only keep Australians safe but will also develop and expand our local industrial base and supply chains, supporting Australian jobs, businesses and infrastructure.
Finance Minister Senator Katy Gallagher expanded on the comments from the Deputy Prime Minister, saying, “This is a significant day for Australia’s shipbuilding capacity and the future of our domestic industry.
“Developing program time frames, investing in workforce development, and planning for future procurement are all critical steps towards ensuring our sovereign submarine partners can deliver the next generation of Australia’s naval defence capability,” Senator Gallagher said.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy added, “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.”
ASC and BAE Systems – and once established, the Joint Venture – will continue to work collaboratively within the wider submarine enterprise as Australia progresses towards its most historic defence capability acquisition yet.
“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,” Minister Conroy said.
