Australia’s submarine company, ASC, together with American submarine manufacturers General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding, is proud to announce that HIFraser is the first Australian business to qualify for the Virginia class submarine supply chain through a gateway program enabled by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA).
To accelerate the integration of Australian businesses into the Virginia class submarine supply chain and support construction of Virginia Class submarines in the United States, the US Government and ASA established the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) program.
Through DIVQ, ASC is working with an Australian-based team from General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding to fast-track qualification for Australian businesses to supply parts for the world-class Virginia class submarines, including valves, mechanical assemblies, castings, pipe fittings, machined parts, and electrical components.
HIFraser is the first Australian business to achieve qualification by meeting the rigorous engineering, quality, and security benchmarks demanded by the United States.
Qualification enables HIFraser to compete for contracts to supply a range of valves for the submarines – the world’s most advanced conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines, and the first of their kind to join the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Whiley, congratulated HIFraser:
“HIFraser’s achievement is a significant milestone for Australian industry and demonstrates the capability and quality we can deliver to the AUKUS partnership,” Stuart said.
“Through DIVQ, we are opening doors for Australian businesses to participate in one of the most advanced defence programs in the world, creating opportunities that will endure for decades.”
Debora Fortkamp, Chief Strategy Officer, said:
“HIFraser is proud to play a key role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability through the DIVQ program. By meeting stringent qualification standards, we reinforce our commitment to excellence in critical systems, ensuring our expertise delivers lasting value across the AUKUS supply chain.”
Several other Australian businesses are in the final stages of qualification under DIVQ which will allow them to join HIFraser and compete for contracts to supply into the Virginia class submarine program.
Building on these early successes, ASA and ASC are working with the US and UK to establish additional DIVQ projects. These will enable Australian industry to provide parts, repairs and services across all three AUKUS partners.
Australian businesses interested in supply chain opportunities can learn more here.
Editor’s notes:
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.
In March 2025, the Australian Government released Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, which identifies five lines of implementation effort including “integrating into UK and US supply chains through qualification of Australian suppliers”. The DIVQ program is a key activity under the Strategy.
Media contacts:
ASC
Damon Hunt
Mobile: +61 (0) 409 079 887
Email: [email protected]
HIFraser
Debora Fortkamp
Mobile: +61(0) 421 331 403
Email: [email protected]
Image caption:
HIFraser Operations Director, Electric Boat AUKUS Supply Chain Program Manager, HIFraser General Manager – Defence, HIFraser Chief Strategy Officer, HII Manager – Supply Chain Procurement 2, and HII Manager – Supply Chain Procurement 3, ASC General Manager – Supply Chain Strategy & Oversight, Australian Submarine Agency First Assistant Director General SSN Construction, ASC AIC Manager – Multiclass Sustainment, and ASC Head of Supply Chain Strategy & Industry Capability.
Image captured at Indo Pacific in Sydney earlier this month.