Pictured above at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition, Alex Walsh ASC CEO, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA and MAK Water.
Two Western Australian-developed systems supporting nuclear-powered submarine sustainment at HMAS Stirling are being showcased by ASC at this week’s Indian Ocean Defence and Security (IODS) Conference in Perth.
On display at ASC’s stand are:
- MAK Water’s Australian-designed ultra-pure water capability, and
- Australian Safety Engineers’ (ASE) High Pressure Air Compressor (HPAC) system.
Developed in collaboration with ASC, the locally manufactured systems are now in operational use at HMAS Stirling – reinforcing Western Australia’s role as the centre of nuclear-powered submarine sustainment under AUKUS.
The systems have already been deployed during Supported Maintenance Periods (SMPs) for visiting United States Virginia Class and United Kingdom Astute Class submarines, demonstrating Australia’s growing in-country sustainment capability.
The MAK Water system delivers military-specification demineralised water essential for submarine maintenance, while ASE’s HPAC system produces certified breathing air for use onboard submarines during maintenance activities.
ASC Chief Executive Officer Alex Walsh said the systems highlight the strength of collaboration between ASC and WA industry.
“These capabilities are not just demonstrations – they are operational systems already supporting nuclear-powered submarine sustainment in Australia,” Mr Walsh said.
“ASC has proudly sustained Australia’s Collins Class submarines for more than 40 years. Now, working with companies like MAK Water and ASE, we are applying that experience to build the sovereign capability required to support nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
“Western Australia is central to this effort – with HMAS Stirling emerging as a critical sustainment hub – and these innovations show the depth, capability and readiness of Australian industry to support that mission.”
MAK Water Chief Executive Officer Andy Byk said the project highlighted the opportunity for Australian companies to contribute to allied submarine programs.
“This capability demonstrates how Australian innovation and engineering can support highly complex submarine sustainment requirements,” Mr Byk said.
“We are proud to work alongside ASC in delivering a sovereign capability that supports Australia’s role under AUKUS.”
ASE Managing Director Brian Snashall said the HPAC system reflected the growing maturity of Western Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“Projects like this demonstrate that Western Australian industry has the expertise and capability to deliver specialised systems that meet demanding defence requirements,” Mr Snashall said.
The systems form part of ASC’s broader effort to work with Australian industry to strengthen sovereign sustainment capability, supply chains and workforce readiness as Australia prepares to support ongoing SSN operations at HMAS Stirling.
Media contacts:
Damon Hunt
Mobile: +61 (0) 409 079 887
Email: [email protected]
Alison McMeekin
Mobile: +61 (0) 402 200 311
Email: [email protected]
