Australia’s submarine company, ASC is forging collaborations with US industry partners to elevate Australian businesses within the AUKUS supply chain.

As part of the collaboration under the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, ASC, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and HII are inviting Australian businesses that manufacture a range of parts, including valves, castings, mechanical assemblies, and fittings to submit an expression of interest for the program.

Successful DIVQ Program suppliers will gain qualifications to supply parts for Virginia-class submarines, marking a significant step towards integrating Australian capabilities into the international defence supply chain.

This collaboration marks a first, with Australian and US submarine builders joining forces to qualify suppliers for AUKUS supply chain opportunities.

ASC Managing Director and CEO, Stuart Whiley, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership.

“This is great news for Australian businesses that want to join the AUKUS supply chain,” Mr Whiley said.

“It’s also good news for the US. We’re not only building sovereign capability; we are also expanding trilateral supply chain capacity and resilience.

“The parts may be used for both build and sustainment, which means businesses could be part of the AUKUS supply chain for years to come.”

Australian businesses interested in participating in the DIVQ can submit expressions of interest and capability statements to ASC.

Learn more and complete the ASC Supplier Form.