HII and Babcock’s JV secures deal to enhance AUKUS supply chain

H&B Defence, a joint venture between HII and Babcock, has secured its first contract to enhance supply chain capabilities for the global AUKUS alliance through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program.

Formalizing its role as the delivery partner for HII’s initial A$9.6 million contract with the Australian Government, the joint venture will lead a nationwide qualification process over the next two years to identify Australian suppliers with the requisite skills and products to support the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier build programs at Newport News Shipbuilding in the US.

Specifically, H&B Defence will evaluate for competency across seven work packages in high demand to support the delivery of the first three nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.

Product categories include castings and forgings, precision machining, air and gas flasks, fabricated parts, composites and glass reinforced plastic, joinery and circuit cards.

Shortlisting of suitable small and medium enterprises will commence in May, followed by more formal technical assessments and validations, according to the joint venture.

The company will support each stage of Australia’s transition to nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1, including workforce skills development, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.

“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,” H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President, Michael Lempke, said.

“Securing this contract signals the beginning of a long-term commitment and willingness to deliver innovative, reliable solutions in support of Australia’s national security and that of our allies. 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,” Babcock Australasia CEO and H&B Defence Non-Executive Director, Andrew Cridland, added.

In September 2021, leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership called AUKUS. The pact is intended  to strengthen the ability of each government to support security and defense interest.

The first initiative under AUKUS is a commitment to support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

The second initiative intends to enhance joint capabilities and interoperability, focusing on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and additional undersea capabilities.