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Western Australia-based VEEM has joined Huntington Ingalls Industries as one of the first Western Australian companies to participate in the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSS-Q) Pilot Program.
This initiative, led by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), marks a significant milestone in strengthening and integrating the defence industrial base across the AUKUS alliance.
As the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, HII is committed to qualifying and integrating Australian suppliers into the Virginia Class submarine program.
With decades of expertise in precision casting for Collins Class submarines, VEEM is well positioned to become part of the global Virginia Class submarine supply chain.
HII representatives, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, recently visited VEEM to discuss the AUSS-Q program. Marles highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “The Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program, which is being run by HII and which VEEM is now in the final stages of, is a crucial step in integrating Australian companies into the US Virginia Class submarine supply chain. This speaks to one of the great opportunities of AUKUS – establishing a seamless defence industrial base across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.”
Tim Brown, vice president of operations for HII nuclear Australia, emphasised the program’s role in enhancing local industry capabilities, saying, “The AUSS-Q program is designed to qualify and elevate suppliers to contribute to the US Virginia Class submarine program. Companies like VEEM have already demonstrated their expertise, and this initiative will integrate their capabilities into the broader supply chain. AUSS-Q is about strengthening Australia’s industrial capabilities and ensuring long-term support for AUKUS. We appreciate the government’s support in mobilising a world-class defence industry.”
More than just a collaboration, this initiative represents a crucial step towards a unified defence supply network between Australia, the US and the UK The AUSS-Q program is expected to unlock new opportunities for Australian industry, create high-skilled jobs and lay the foundation for future AUKUS submarine production.
HII expressed its pride in partnering with the Australian government on this critical endeavour, reaffirming its commitment to working alongside VEEM and other Australian companies to bolster allied defence capabilities.
