Four defense giants unite to work on combat systems for AUKUS submarines

November 7, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Four major defense companies have proposed the establishment of an AUKUS Combat Systems Collaborative Team in contemplation of a potential role for Australia’s SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

Credit: General Dynamics Mission Systems

As disclosed, BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work on the design and lay the foundations for the manufacture and integration of combat systems for SSN-AUKUS under agreements to be negotiated with the Commonwealth of Australia and the United Kingdom government.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Thales agreed to collaborate on the design of a tri-national combat system for the SSN-AUKUS submarines, to be shared by Australia and the United Kingdom.

The system will be based on General Dynamics Mission Systems’ AN/BYG-1 combat control system, jointly funded by the United States and Australia. AN/BYG-1 uses an open-architecture design that integrates tactical control, payload and weapons management, and information assurance. It is currently in service with Australia’s Collins-class submarines and the U.S. Navy’s Virginia, Los Angeles, Ohio, Columbia, and Seawolf classes.

The collaborative effort aims to enhance Australian participation in the design and delivery of the combat system and to support skills, technology, and knowledge transfer among the AUKUS nations, contributing to the development of Australia’s defence industrial base for the SSN-AUKUS program.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is another strategic step forward to developing the most effective and advanced combat system for SSN-AUKUS, simultaneously strengthening Australia’s operational sovereignty and industrial capability,” Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, said.

“As Australia’s sovereign submarine combat system partner, Raytheon Australia and our workforce bring more than 25 years of expertise in design, integration and sustainment, including upgrades and updates, of the Collins Class submarine combat system to this team, establishing the base for a truly sovereign capability ready to deliver the RAN’s most ambitious naval program,” Ohad Katz, Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, commented.

“The MOU acknowledges that the team successfully delivering submarine combat system capability to the three nations via separate efforts today should be entrusted to sustain and integrate combat systems aboard Virginia and AUKUS submarines in the future, ensuring continuity, confidence and low-risk delivery. It sets a standard of teamwork that will allow us to more efficiently explore future business opportunities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia,” Laura Hooks, vice president and general manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems, at General Dynamics Mission Systems, added.

SSN-AUKUS will be based on the UK’s next-generation design and incorporate technology from all three nations. The combination of technology from all three nations is intended to deliver a world-class submarine that meets Australia’s long-term defense requirements.