In a landmark decision poised to significantly bolster Australia’s maritime defense capabilities and reinforce its industrial and technological prowess, the Federal Government has confirmed Adelaide as the epicenter for constructing the new SSN-AUKUS submarines.
This strategic move leverages the formidable partnership of local shipbuilding titans ASC Pty Ltd and BAE Systems, tasked with the creation of nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines under a future Joint Venture framework. This decision was announced ahead of the pivotal AUKMIN talks in Adelaide, featuring top defense and foreign affairs officials from the United Kingdom and Australia.
ASC’s unparalleled expertise in Australian submarine operations, coupled with its established workforce and supply chain cultivated through the Collins Class submarines, promises a robust foundation for this ambitious project. Meanwhile, BAE Systems introduces over six decades of nuclear submarine manufacturing experience and invaluable intellectual property, further underscored by its ongoing involvement with the Hunter class frigates at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
The collaboration between ASC and BAE Systems, underpinned by international cooperation through AUKUS, signifies a strategic pivot towards enhancing Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities and industrial autonomy. This initiative not only promises a significant boost in direct employment, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,500 jobs at peak construction, but also positions Australia at the forefront of advanced naval technology and innovation.
With the Joint Venture partners poised to outline a detailed construction timeline aimed at commencing the first submarine build by the decade’s end, the project opens vast opportunities for Australian industry participation. Already, efforts to integrate Australian suppliers into the global submarine supply chain are underway, highlighting a comprehensive approach to bolstering the nation’s defense manufacturing sector.
Moreover, the South Australian Government’s collaboration with the Commonwealth to exchange land for the new Submarine Construction Yard and the planned establishment of a Skills and Training Academy at Osborne underscore a long-term commitment to workforce development and industry growth. \
Premier Peter Malinauskas said that South Australia has much to be optimistic about.
“We have the best performing economy in the country, the lowest unemployment rate in history, and for the first time, the lowest jobless rate in the nation.”
“And all of this is before we embark on the biggest project our state has ever seen – building the most complex machines on earth.”
“I am thrilled to see confirmation of ASC and BAE Systems as the build partners for our nuclear-powered submarines to be built right here at Osborne.”
“These two companies each bring considerable strengths.”
“I saw first-hand BAE Systems’ incredible nuclear submarine building capability at Barrow-in-Furness last year. The scale and complexity of the exercise was mind-blowing.”
“ASC brings its own unique capabilities. The Australian company has a significant workforce at Osborne and a strong history building and sustaining the Collins class submarines.”
“We are getting on with the task of partnering with the Commonwealth on making sure we can meet the challenge of delivering the skilled workforce required for this massive undertaking.”
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