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Australia’s submarine company, ASC, has announced intentions to work with US industry partners to uplift Australian businesses through the AUKUS supply chain.
Through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, ASC, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) are seeking expressions of interest from Australian businesses that manufacture a range of parts including, but not limited to, valves, castings, mechanical assemblies and fittings.
The ASC has confirmed it is the first time the Australian and US submarine builders have collaborated to qualify suppliers for AUKUS, and as the DIVQ Program continues to progress, more businesses in other major product families will be targeted for qualification.
ASC managing director and CEO Stuart Whiley welcomed the collaboration between ASC, General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII.
“This is great news for Australian businesses that want to join the AUKUS supply chain,” Stuart said.
“It’s also good news for the US. We’re not only building sovereign capability; we are also expanding trilateral supply chain capacity and resilience.
“The parts may be used for both build and sustainment, which means businesses could be part of the AUKUS supply chain for years to come.”
Businesses interested in participating in the DIVQ Program are invited to submit expressions of interest and capability statements to ASC. When suppliers successfully complete DIVQ, they will be qualified to supply Virginia Class submarine parts.
