On behalf of the Australian Submarine Agency, Australia’s submarine company, ASC, is working with US industry partners to uplift Australian businesses into the AUKUS supply chain.
Through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, ASC, General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII are seeking expressions of interest from Australian businesses that manufacture a range of parts, including – but not limited to – valves, castings, mechanical assemblies and fittings.
Businesses interested in participating in the DIVQ Program are invited to submit expressions of interest and capability statements to ASC. When suppliers successfully complete DIVQ, they will be qualified to supply Virginia Class submarine parts.
It’s the first time the Australian and US submarine builders have collaborated to qualify suppliers for AUKUS, and as the DIVQ Program continues to progress, more businesses in other major product families will be targeted for qualification.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley welcomed the collaboration between ASC, General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII.
“This is great news for Australian businesses that want to join the AUKUS supply chain,” Stuart said.
“It’s also good news for the US. We’re not only building sovereign capability; we are also expanding trilateral supply chain capacity and resilience.
“The parts may be used for both build and sustainment, which means businesses could be part of the AUKUS supply chain for years to come.”
More information for interested businesses can be found here.
Editor’s notes:
ASC has proudly served as Australia’s submarine builder and sustainer for more than 35 years. ASC built Australia’s Collins Class submarines and now
maintains and upgrades them, while providing in-operation service and support.
In March 2024, ASC was selected as the Australian Government’s Sovereign Submarine Partner to sustain and, together with BAE Systems, jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines at Osborne, known as SSN AUKUS.
At Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia, ASC will deliver sustainment services for Australia’s future Virginia Class and SSN AUKUS submarines.
Media contact:
Damon Hunt
Head of Corporate Communications and Media
M: 0409 079 887
E: [email protected]
Alison McMeekin
Senior Media Advisor
M: 0402 200 311
E: [email protected]
Image: US Virginia Class submarine. Image courtesy Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
