Over the past several months, SSN-AUKUS Build Partners, ASC and BAE Systems, have travelled across Australia as part of the 2026 SSN-AUKUS Build Program National Industry Roadshow series, connecting directly with businesses interested in supporting Australia’s future submarine enterprise.

With events held in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, the Hunter Valley, Melbourne and Hobart, the roadshow provided suppliers with an opportunity to learn more about the Build Program, understand future requirements and explore pathways into the AUKUS supply chain.

The response from industry has been extraordinary.

Almost 800 supplier representatives attended across the six events, demonstrating the strong interest from Australian businesses looking to contribute their expertise, capability and innovation to one of the nation’s most significant industrial undertakings.

Beyond the roadshow events, ASC and BAE Systems also visited more than 25 suppliers across the country, gaining valuable insights into the capabilities that already exist within Australia’s industrial base and the role they can play in supporting the future submarine enterprise.

Networking sessions at each location created opportunities for suppliers to connect, collaborate and build relationships, while ASC and BAE Systems supply chain experts were on hand to answer questions and share information about the opportunities ahead.

One theme was consistent in every location: Australian industry is ready to engage.

Suppliers told us they valued the opportunity to better understand the requirements of working in the defence sector and appreciated the long lead times being provided to help them prepare, invest and position their businesses for future opportunities.

The strength of interest, capability and enthusiasm we encountered throughout the roadshow reinforces what we already know: Australia has the skills, experience and industrial capacity needed to help deliver the future submarine enterprise.

Thank you to everyone who attended, hosted site visits and contributed to the conversations. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Australian industry as we build the supply chain that will help support Australia’s future submarine capability.

Explore SSN-AUKUS industry opportunities via the ICN Gateway: SSN-AUKUS Industry Opportunities