The Submarine Institute of Australia’s 8th Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference (SubSTEC8) is underway in Adelaide, exploring the theme ‘Pillar 1 through a Pillar 2 Lens – Advanced AUKUS Capabilities and the Submarine Deterrent’.

Over the two-day conference, SubSTEC8 will explore how AUKUS “Advanced Technology” (Pillar 2) can address the challenges of maintaining a contemporary submarine capability during a period of significant geostrategic change. It will specifically examine the transition to a multi-class fleet, including the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines.

“The acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS seeks to improve Australia’s deterrence capabilities as a priority for immediate action. The Australian Submarine Agency and Australian Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulator are leading in the delivery of the agreed pathway and representatives of these organisations will provide an update at the Conference,” said SIA President, Michael Fitzgerald.

“The mission of AUKUS Pillar 2 is to accelerate the development and delivery of advanced capabilities, with a particular focus on near-term warfighting objectives. This conference will examine the potential for Pillar 2 to contribute to Australia’s submarine capability and its contribution to the 2026 National Defence Strategy,” he said.

Keynote and plenary speakers include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, the South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, the Hon Chris Picton MP, the Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability, Rear Admiral Thomas Phillips RAN, the Director General Submarines, Commodore Micheal Jacobson RAN, the Director General of the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO, Acting UK High Commissioner to Australia, Dr Brian Jones and US Consul General, Colin Crosby.

The SIA is pleased to be partnering with the South Australian Government through Defence SA, and Business Events Adelaide to deliver SubSTEC8.

“Hosting SubSTEC8 in Adelaide is another demonstration of South Australia’s growing reputation as a global hub for defence innovation,” said South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Chris Picton.

“Advanced technologies will play a critical role in how we design, build, operate and sustain our new generation of nuclear-powered submarines.

“The Malinauskas Labor Government is committed to ensuring South Australian businesses, researchers and workers are well placed to capture the enormous opportunities being created through AUKUS.”

The conference will feature a mix of plenary presentations and facilitated panel sessions across both days.

Panel sessions on Tuesday will discuss Innovation, Opportunities and Challenges around AUKUS Engineering and Technology and an Autonomous Capabilities Panel which will include discussion of undersea robotics and autonomous underwater systems.

Concurrent sessions will be held on Wednesday where experts from Australia, the US and the UK will present technical papers on a range of topics around the impact of technology on submarine operations, production and sustainment and the impact of evolving technology in the Australian Submarine Enterprise.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussing the operationalisation of AUKUS led by the Australian Submarine Agency.

“The SubSTEC8 conference will provide opportunities to network with leaders and experts, from Government, industry and academia from around the world,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“This is a not to be missed event for anyone with a passion or interest in national security, submarines, undersea technology, engineering, science and/or technology.”

Explore the conference program here.