South Australian-based company Nova Systems has joined forces with Australian-owned defence and nuclear specialist Nucleate to support the development of sovereign capability for Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

The partnership combines Nova Systems’ expertise in systems integration and complex Defence systems and assurance, with Nucleate’s specialist nuclear knowledge and technical capability.

Together, the companies will develop the necessary technical processes and assurance frameworks essential for informed, sovereign decision-making.

Nova Systems Managing Director of Systems Integration Mark Slade said the collaboration reflects the importance of Australian-led partnerships in delivering the next phase of AUKUS.

“To take the AUKUS agreement to the next level requires sovereign partners,” Mr Slade said. “This partnership is about ensuring Australia has the capability, knowledge and confidence to make decisions independently.”

“By combining Nova’s experience in Defence systems with Nucleate’s nuclear expertise, we are creating a foundation for long-term growth in the strategically important nuclear sector.”

Nucleate Managing Director Jonathan Armstrong said the partnership aligns closely with the company’s mission to grow Australia’s nuclear expertise and underscores a shared commitment to delivering solutions that are safe, sovereign and future-focused.

“Nucleate and Nova Systems are both independent, Australian-owned and controlled companies that provide unbiased, technically-led advice to government, industry, licensees and regulators,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We are committed to supporting Australia’s strategic objectives, delivering integrated solutions that are not only technically robust but also developed by Australian companies in the country’s national interests.”

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Image (L-R): Jonathon Adams, Managing Director – Nucleate & Mark Slade, MD Integrated Solutions – Nova Systems.