In a recent article published in Navy News, Alex Walsh, ASC CEO and Managing Director, shares insight into our 40 year history with the Royal Australian Navy and the new era happening at ASC today:

The AUKUS trilateral partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States represents a defining pillar of our national security. It is ushering in a far-reaching transformation across our workforce, our industrial base, and the technologies that will shape Australia’s future.

Just four years ago, when I returned to ASC, I was energised by the prospect that Australia’s sovereign submarine company would play a meaningful role in delivering on the Australian Government’s historic commitment to acquire nuclear‑powered submarines.

Fast forward to today, and the critical strategic requirement for an Australian sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability has never been clearer, and I am humbled to be leading an organisation that has a key role in delivering this mission.

2026 marks one of the most consequential years in ASC’s 40‑year history. It is a year of acceleration – across every part of our business – and one that signals a profound deepening of our partnership with the Royal Australian Navy.

From designing and building the fleet of six Collins Class submarines to sustaining it today, ASC remains responsible for one of the most complex and advanced naval capabilities in operation anywhere in the world.

Across South Australia, Western Australia, and increasingly across international partner locations, our workforce – engineers, technicians, tradespeople, project managers, and specialist support teams – demonstrates exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication. Their work ensures the sustained availability, performance, and evolution of this critical capability for the Navy.

At our Osborne yard in SA, HMAS Farncomb is on track to enter the first life-of-type extension (LOTE) full cycle docking in mid-2026 – a milestone that will leverage the full strength of our Collins sustainment capability.

We are continuing to grow our workforce, particularly in WA, to support Submarine Rotational Force – West and the rotation of UK and US conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from HMAS Stirling. This critical part of the AUKUS partnership gives our people hands-on experience with the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, working alongside Australian, American, and British naval personnel.

More of our people are deploying to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and to Barrow-in-Furness in northwest England – strengthening our on-the-ground presence to deepen collaboration with our trilateral partners, share expertise, and build the advanced skills required to deliver and maintain Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.

We continue to work with our partners and academic institutions to create new and innovative job pathways for the next generation of highly skilled submarine builders and sustainers, while further investing in upskilling our growing teams across SA and WA.

Our ongoing efforts to support and cultivate a resilient industrial base and open the door for Australian businesses to join global supply chains are paying off, and this year we hope to support many more local companies as they invest in the skills, equipment, and standards required to compete internationally.

I am incredibly proud to lead ASC into this new and undoubtedly demanding chapter. But success relies on strong and enduring partnerships, and our continued progress depends on working closely with all those who contribute to and enable Australia’s sovereign capability — including the Royal Australian Navy.

The Navy continues to stand at the centre of Australia’s maritime strategy, bringing together tradition, technical mastery, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation. Its people operate some of the world’s most complex platforms in the most demanding environments, and they do so with professionalism and resolve.

As ASC evolves under AUKUS, our work increasingly reflects the Navy’s own evolution — becoming more agile, more advanced, and more connected to our international partners. Supporting the Navy is not just part of our responsibility; it is a privilege that guides every decision we make.

The Navy’s 125th anniversary is a powerful reminder of a legacy built on strength and service. For 40 years, ASC has been proud to help shape that story — and we’re not slowing down. We share the Navy’s drive: service, excellence, and mission-first focus. We believe Australia’s maritime capability must stay strong, sovereign, and ready for anything. And we’re proud that together, we’re delivering the capability that keeps our nation secure.