In 2025, ASC marks 40 years as Australia’s sovereign submarine builder and sustainer. As I reflect on this remarkable milestone, it becomes increasingly evident that the sovereign capability we have established throughout this journey has positioned ASC as one of the nation’s trusted defence partners. Now, as I look ahead, it is because of this enduring record of delivery that the Commonwealth has entrusted ASC with building and sustaining Australia’s submarine fleet for the decades to come.

Critical to our future success, is building the sovereign supply chain and workforce that will support the nation’s transition to nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS partnership.

AUKUS represents a unique opportunity for Australian industry. Beyond delivering a nuclear-powered submarine capability, it will be a catalyst for enormous industrial growth and job creation. AUKUS will expand Australia’s manufacturing base and open new pathways for local businesses into global defence supply chains.

For Australian businesses wanting a part in this history-making enterprise, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For Australians, it is the assurance of a stronger, more resilient defence capability that will deliver for our nation’s defence. For ASC, it carries forward the mission we have honoured for 40 years: delivering for the Royal Australian Navy – and for the nation.

And it is already happening.

A comprehensive ASC and US shipbuilder program enabled by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), known as the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, is fast-tracking qualification of Australian businesses that want to supply parts for the US Virginia Class submarine build program. ASC and US shipbuilders GD Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Newport News are already sorting through nearly 170 expressions of interest from businesses nationwide seeking to supply dozens of different parts for the Virginia Class subs – the world’s most advanced conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines.

The first suppliers are expected to be qualified through the DIVQ program towards the end of 2025 and compete for contracts to enter the Virginia Class Submarine supply chain. This outcome heralds outstanding collaboration between allies that benefits both nations: elevating Australian businesses into a global supply chain that has years ahead of it and supporting the US submarine industrial base.

Building on DIVQ, ASA and ASC are working with both the US and the UK to establish other projects that will open the door for local businesses to provide parts, repairs and services for all three AUKUS partners. These programs are a game-changer for Australian industry, providing export opportunities that didn’t exist six months ago.

I am incredibly proud that the business I lead is Australia’s submarine company – and the only prime in Australia with unmatched expertise, world-class know-how, and a trusted supply chain network that enables us to deliver for Australia’s future defence. It is a role we have earned through four decades of delivery, and one we embrace as we look to the future.