Australian-made submarine-grade steel will be used in the construction of US Navy Virginia-class submarines for the first time after Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy secured an order from US shipbuilder General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).
Valued at approximately US$2 million, the purchase order covers the supply of HY80 steel plate for Virginia-class submarine production. The order represents the first time Australian-made submarine-grade steel will be incorporated into the US Navy's Virginia-class submarine program and reflects expanding collaboration across the trilateral submarine industrial base.
The order follows Bisalloy's qualification to the US Navy's structural steel standards through the Australian Government's Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, which is designed to help Australian companies enter US submarine supply chains while strengthening Australia's domestic industrial capabilities.
The qualification process involved collaboration between Bisalloy, BlueScope, the Australian Submarine Agency, General Dynamics Electric Boat and the US Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines.
Under the arrangement, BlueScope will manufacture the raw steel plate, while Bisalloy will carry out the specialized processing and heat treatment required to produce submarine-grade HY80 steel.
According to the Australian government, the United States has identified steel supply as a priority as it works to expand submarine production capacity. Officials said Australian participation is intended to improve resilience across the AUKUS submarine industrial base while creating opportunities for Australian manufacturers.
The initial order is also expected to provide Australian industry with production experience that could support participation in future submarine programs as Australia develops the industrial capabilities required for its future nuclear-powered submarine fleet under AUKUS.
Australia's Minister for Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, described the contract as a significant milestone for both Australian industry and the AUKUS partnership.
"For the first time, Australian-made steel will be used in the construction of US Virginia-class submarines, demonstrating the world-leading capabilities of our manufacturing sector and the growing contribution Australian industry is making to allied defence capability," he stated.
"This is exactly what AUKUS is designed to achieve. With this initial order, the AUKUS program is creating tangible opportunities for Australian industry while lifting their technical standards. It is supporting local workers and businesses, and building the industrial capability that will underpin Australia's future nuclear-powered submarine enterprise."
To remind, Australia recently announced an additional A$4.6 billion investment in the infrastructure needed to deliver the country's future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership, bringing its total commitment to the Osborne construction yard to A$8.5 billion.