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Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy has announced a $400 million contract with Navantia Australia to maintain and sustain vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.
A new seven-year contract will secure around 200 local jobs across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises that are vital to Australia’s defence industry and national security.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy welcomed the announcement and its positive impact on the nation’s defence sector.
“The Australian defence industry has grown under the Albanese government and now employs more than 100,000 people. This contract is yet another example of our commitment to supporting them and the businesses that employ them,” Minister Conroy said.
Under the contract, Navantia Australia has been appointed as the first multi-class design support contractor. The company will provide through-life engineering and design expertise for the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra Class helicopter landing docks and landing craft, the Supply Class replenishment ships, and the Hobart Class guided missile destroyers.
“Through this contract, we have secured 200 jobs and are supporting our sovereign defence industry, which is delivering critical engineering work for our Navy and helping to keep Australia safe,” Minister Conroy added.
The agreement will also see Navantia Australia collaborate with Australian small and medium businesses to deliver essential engineering services, ensuring work is distributed across the local supply chain.
This initiative marks the first of several design support contracts that Defence will establish for other Navy capabilities. These contracts aim to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in engineering and design support provided across Australia’s maritime fleet.
Minister Conroy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to local industry, stating, "The Albanese government is committed to ensuring more work on our naval vessels is done locally, supporting more work for Australian small and medium businesses and jobs for Australians.”
The contract forms part of the Albanese government’s record investment of up to AU$159 billion over the next decade in maritime capabilities. This investment will drive continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment within Australia, further strengthening national security and defence capabilities.
