H&B Defence has secured its first contract to support the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening Australia’s supply chain capabilities. A joint venture between HII and Babcock, H&B Defence is leading the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program. The A$9.6 million contract, awarded by the Australian Government, formalises H&B Defence’s role in delivering the program. H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President Michael Lempke said the joint venture brings unmatched global expertise to the program. “H&B Defence brings together the only two organisations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and ...

A major milestone has been reached in the construction of South Australia’s landmark Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), with the steel frame of the expansive four-bay aircraft hangar now complete. More than 60 per cent of the 1,800 tonnes of structural steel used in the frame was sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sovereign capability, local industry and advanced manufacturing. Located adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh in northern Adelaide, the use of Whyalla steel in the $200 million DMMF project builds on a $2.4 billion commitment by the Australian and South Australian governments to revitalise ...

South Australian defence manufacturers Century Engineering and MG Engineering have commenced production of critical components for the first Hunter Class frigate. As key suppliers to BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA) on the program, the two companies are manufacturing ship sections at their local facilities. The companies’ progress highlights the significant role the state’s experienced and capable industrial base is playing in delivering one of the country’s biggest surface ship programs. BAESMA Hunter Class Frigate Program Director Jason Loveday said producing ship sections offsite ensures production of the nation’s first submarine hunting surface combatant continues when the Osborne Naval Shipyard is ...

South Australia’s defence industry workforce is set for a boost, with BAE Systems Australia and ASC signing on as key employment partners for the soon-to-open Heights Technical College. Backed by the South Australian Government, this new partnership is set to create more pathways for young South Australians to enter the defence industry, particularly in critical programs like the Hunter class frigates and AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. ­ The announcement comes as four students from Findon Technical College officially begin their apprenticeship with BAE Systems Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard.  With BAE a key employer partner at Findon Technical College, the ...

South Australia’s defence industry has recorded the strongest growth of all states in 2023-24, contributing a significant $1.9 billion to the nation’s economy, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS reports a 27 per cent increase in the gross value added (GVA) by South Australia's defence industry in 2023-24 from the previous year, adding $425 million to the national economy. The sector's workforce also saw substantial growth, expanding by 15 per cent and creating an additional 1,300 jobs in South Australia. Over the past five years, the state’s defence industry has demonstrated consistent growth, ...

In a major boost to South Australia’s defence industry capability, BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia and Saab Australia, have officially launched a landmark program to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Hobart class guided missile destroyers. The initiative marks a significant milestone and follows the signing of the first Delivery Tasking Statement by a powerful alliance known as the Combat Systems Integration – Integrated Project Team (CSI-IPT), established under a collaboration agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. The three Hobart-class destroyers; HMAS Hobart, HMAS Brisbane, and HMAS Sydney, represent the most advanced surface warships in the RAN fleet. Their ...

South Australian manufacturers are inching closer to joining the US nuclear-powered submarine supply chain, after securing a Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) supplier identification number. The supplier identification number signifies that once fully certified through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification process, these companies are qualified to participate in the NNS supply chain in support of nuclear-powered submarine construction. The inaugural Supplier Capability Uplift Program is being  delivered by US shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries through its Australian entity HII Nuclear Australia Pty Ltd (HII-NA). The South Australian companies participating are: McKechnie Iron Foundry Century Engineering Levett Engineering H-E Parts International MacTaggart Scott ...

Only months after opening its state-of-the-art-facility in Woodville North, Babcock Australasia (Babcock) is already expanding its Adelaide footprint, breaking ground on an extension that will add 50 per cent more space to meet the growing need of its local operations. The $7 million project will see the construction of a new warehouse assembly hall that will serve as a bespoke testing facility to support Babcock’s upgrade of Australia’s Defence High Frequency Communications System (JP9101) and pave the way for future defence projects. Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland emphasised the importance of the expansion, which is due for completion by mid-2025. ...

South Australian defence manufacturer, PMB Defence, has secured its first US order, contracted to provide its new technology battery system to the US Navy. PMB Defence will provide products through Penn State University, where they will undergo rigorous testing to assess the suitability of their application to US boats. The announcement follows the signing of a contract in August 2024 with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to test and qualify PMB’s cutting-edge battery system for the UK’s nuclear submarines. This latest development sees PMB formally working with all three AUKUS member countries on submarine battery solutions. General Manager of ...

Australian naval equipment manufacturer Marenav is expanding its national footprint to South Australia, establishing a new office at Defence SA’s Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen. In a move set to strengthen the state’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capabilities, the NSW-based company brings expertise in providing end-to-end, whole-of-ship cooling technology, crucial for safeguarding naval combat systems and equipment. Founded in 2019, Marenav designs, manufactures and installs Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning equipment (HVAC), radar and propulsion cooling systems onboard ships and complex vessels. With potential to contribute to programs, such as combat system upgrades to the Hobart Class Air ...

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 ...

Local exhibitors on the South Australia – the Defence State stand at Avalon 2025 have hailed the event a resounding success, highlighting the impact of tradeshows in generating exposure and building relationships. More than 60,000 attendees visited Avalon across the Trade Days. The South Australian stand was teeming with activity throughout the event, with a record 60 local defence and space organisations participating on the stand. Led by Defence SA, the Defence State stand attracted national and international attention, drawing in significant foot traffic and providing opportunities for South Australian companies to network and engage with industry leaders and decision-makers. For more ...