ASC and HIFraser will extend their long-standing partnership supporting the Collins Class submarine program beyond 40 years under a new six-year contract.
Valued at nearly $40 million, the agreement between Australia’s submarine company and the engineering and manufacturing specialists reinforces a long-standing commitment to Australia’s sovereign submarine capability.
HIFraser, which has offices in Western Australia and NSW, has supported ASC and the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines since 1992. As a long-standing Australian industry partner, HIFraser will continue delivering high- and low-pressure valves and on-board maintenance services that are critical to helping sustain the operational readiness of the fleet.
Sustainment is the work that keeps submarines operating throughout service, and includes maintenance, repairs, upgrades and the specialist support needed to keep vessels safe, capable and ready for deployment.
ASC Chief Operating Officer – Multi-Class Sustainment Rebecca Brickhill said the agreement recognised the important role trusted Australian suppliers play in sustaining one of the nation’s most important Defence capabilities.
“ASC’s ability to deliver safe, reliable and effective sustainment outcomes for the Collins Class submarine fleet relies on strong partnerships with highly capable Australian suppliers such as HIFraser,” Rebecca said.
“This new agreement builds on a proven relationship spanning decades and provides the certainty needed to continue investing in the people, skills and industrial capability required to support the Royal Australian Navy’s requirements.”
HIFraser is an Australian component manufacturer and an approved subcontractor to Australia’s Collins Class fleet through-life sustainment activities. It is also one of a number of Australian businesses that has successfully qualified through a rigorous national qualification program to support the construction of US Virginia Class submarines.
Established by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) in partnership with the US Government, the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, delivered by ASC, helps Australian industry lift its systems, processes and technical capability to meet US submarine requirements.
HIFraser has been qualified to manufacture and supply specialised valves, fittings and other components for the Virginia Class submarines.
HIFraser Group Chief Operating Officer Peter Andrews said the new agreement marked another significant milestone in the company’s long-standing relationship with ASC.
“HIFraser is proud to have supported ASC and the Collins Class submarine fleet since 1992,” Peter said.
“Operating for more than 40 years, HIFraser has developed a reputation for highly specialised capabilities in advanced manufacturing, engineering and ongoing sustainment services. These skills are critical to supporting Australia’s submarine fleet and position us strongly to meet future defence industry requirements.
“This achievement is evidence of how enduring partnerships with organisations like ASC can create pathways to future opportunities under AUKUS, while supporting highly skilled Australian jobs and sovereign industrial capability,” Peter said.
ASC is Australia’s Sovereign Submarine Sustainment Partner and is responsible for ensuring the ongoing availability of the Collins Class submarine fleet through sustainment and Life of Type Extension activities. ASC works closely with Australian industry partners to deliver sovereign capability while supporting skilled jobs and advanced manufacturing across the country.
For more information about ASC’s commitment to increase the participation of Australian businesses in multi-class submarine supply chains, click here.
Photo (l-r): Mike and Jade (ASC), Den, Christy and Peter (HIFraser), Will and Kosta (ASC).
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