Australia awards Virginia-class combat systems contract to Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Australia engineers conduct undersea combat system integration simulation activity in the Endeavour Centre, Lockheed Martin Australia House, Canberra. (Lockheed Martin)

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) has awarded a multi-year AUD29.3 million (USD20.7 million) contract to Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver combat systems integration services for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) future Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs).

Lockheed Martin Australia said on 10 August that under the contract it will collaborate with ASA to facilitate technology transfers and develop the infrastructure, technical expertise, training programmes, and industrial partnerships required to upgrade, integrate and sustain the combat systems aboard Australia's Virginia-class SSNs.

Under the AUKUS partnership with the United Kingdom and United States, Australia is set to acquire three second-hand Virginia-class SSNs from the US Navy (USN), with delivery of the first boat scheduled for the early 2030s.

ASA Head of Virginia Workforce and Commercial Rear Admiral David Mann said, “Combat system integration is critical to the capability and effectiveness of our future submarine fleet. This partnership [with Lockheed Martin Australia] will help grow Australia's skilled workforce, strengthen sovereign industry capability, and create new opportunities for Australian businesses.”

Lockheed Martin Australia said US-based subject matter experts will initially support the programme by mentoring Australian engineers and transferring specialist knowledge relating to SSN combat systems.

The company added that it will also work with ASA to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Australia's supply-chain requirements for the Virginia-class programme. The study will identify opportunities for existing and new Australian suppliers to contribute to the global Virginia-class supply chain.

Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Jeremy King said, “This partnership will strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly with allies and deepen the Australia-US industrial base collaboration while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.”