AUKUS focus as Adelaide hosts defence leaders

More than 200 members of state and federal government, defence leaders and academia will gather at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the 7th Submarine Institute of Australia Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference.

South Australia has a pivotal role in the transition from the conventional Collins class submarines to nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) under the AUKUS agreement – with the State chosen to build the complex machines.

Participants will see first-hand South Australia’s competitive advantage while being encouraged to establish or expand their businesses into the State given the world-class defence industry ecosystem that exists.

The conference theme From Collins to SSN will focus on the unique and unprecedented challenges associated with the transition and demonstrate the significant work already underway in SA to plan for future workforce requirements associated with the SSN AUKUS ships.

As the home for construction of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, South Australia is well placed to build its advanced manufacturing capabilities to deliver the most complex machines on the planet.

South Australia was responsible for building the Collins class submarines which were the first ever submarines to be built in Australia and are still considered the most sophisticated conventional submarines in the world.

Seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies already call SA home, with plans to grow and form partnerships with US and UK partners to deliver the AUKUS deal.

The conference runs until Wednesday.

For more information visit SIA Conferences | Submarine Institute of Australia.

Quotes attributable to Nick Champion

South Australia has a long and proud history of delivering the nation’s most complex and dynamic Defence projects, dating back to the Collins class submarines.

This event is an opportunity to showcase our State’s capabilities and demonstrate why we were chosen to develop the most advanced shipyard in the world.

We are now building the workforce needed to construct works secured from the AUKUS agreement, creating thousands of highly skilled and highly paid jobs.  

With so many of the world’s top defence companies establishing themselves here, we encourage businesses interstate and around the globe to follow in their footsteps and grow under the historic AUKUS deal.

Quotes attributable to SIA President Michael Fitzgerald

The Federal Government has identified the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS to improve our deterrence capabilities as a priority for immediate action.

We have been delighted to receive papers from experts from Australia, the US
and the UK, that address topics including sustaining Collins, undersea technology,
nuclear risk and regulation, workforce and training, and nuclear enterprises.

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