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Leonardo DRS and Hofmann Engineering have announced intentions to form a strategic partnership to pursue advanced allied navy propulsion needs and capabilities to speed up US Navy ship and submarine production.
Under a recently signed memorandum of understanding, the collaboration would build on Leonardo DRS’ deep experience in designing and developing high-performance, military-spec electric drive and hybrid electric drive propulsion systems for customers around the world and Hofmann Engineering’s extensive, large precision manufacturing and fabrication experience.
“Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems across allied fleets is more than an upgrade in performance, it’s a strategic necessity to ensure new and existing ships and submarines maintain operational superiority in an increasingly complex and high-tech battlespace,” said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager, Leonardo DRS Naval Power business unit.
“We are excited about a partnership with Hofmann Engineering in an effort to identify new and emerging opportunities to deliver critical naval propulsion capabilities and further secure the supply chain for US ship production.
“The relationship has great potential to significantly strengthen US and allied fleets around the world.”
The strategic partnership would focus on joint research, system integration and evolution of electric and hybrid propulsion, and steam turbine systems.
The two companies would also evaluate opportunities for technology co-development, production and export in alignment with US and allied defence requirements.
“The MOU signed today is not only a major milestone for Leonardo DRS and Hofmann Engineering but the trajectory of Australia’s sovereign capability, strengthening the AUKUS bond and strategic partnership between the US and Australia,” Hofmann Engineering operations director Karl Hofmann said.
Hofmann is expanding its presence in the US and international markets and the collaboration is expected to support the AUKUS alliance by enhancing US supply chain resilience through international collaboration and building Australia’s industrial capacity to support the next generation of submarines and surface ships for the Royal Australian Navy.
Demand for advanced electric drive systems is expected to increase internationally, including for US Navy’s Columbia Class next-generation ballistic submarines and the Republic of Korea Navy’s new frigates with advanced hybrid electric drive propulsion systems.
