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Raytheon Australia has announced a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its submarine combat system centre of excellence in Western Australia, bolstering the nation’s sovereign industrial capability as the Royal Australian Navy prepares for the most significant transformation of its submarine fleet in decades.
The investment strengthens Raytheon Australia’s longstanding role as the combat system integrator for the Collins Class submarines, a relationship stretching back more than 25 years. The company supports the fleet primarily from Henderson Shipyard and HMAS Stirling, key defence precincts south of Perth that form the backbone of Australia’s submarine sustainment and operational activity.
The upgraded facility includes modernised workspaces designed to improve flexibility and teamwork, enhanced customer support areas, and new virtual collaboration environments to streamline engagement with Defence and industry partners.
Raytheon said the improvements will support both ongoing Collins Class sustainment and the development of future submarine combat system requirements as Australia moves to a multi-class fleet under the AUKUS partnership.
Raytheon Australia managing director Ohad Katz said the expansion underscored the company’s commitment to maintaining and growing a highly skilled sovereign workforce, “This significant upgrade demonstrates our commitment to investing in the capability and capacity of our workforce as Australia’s sovereign submarine combat system manager.”
Katz added, “It will provide our 150-strong submarine combat system team with a facility purpose-built to enhance collaboration with the RAN and our industry partners.”
Western Australia’s Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia, welcomed the announcement, highlighting its economic and strategic significance to the state, “I want to thank Raytheon Australia for its significant investment in Western Australia, the nation’s home of AUKUS.”
The announcement follows the Commonwealth government’s recent decision to award Raytheon Australia a AU$277 million, five-year contract to continue managing the combat management system for the Collins Class fleet, a deal that secures around 150 jobs nationally.
Minister Papalia added, “My goal is to see WA’s defence industry grow into a powerhouse – second only to mining – helping to build a stronger, more diverse economy for the future.”
The upgrade comes as Australia prepares for the arrival of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS Pillar I pathway, while simultaneously extending the life of the existing Collins fleet.
Defence planners expect the future submarine force to include a mix of upgraded Collins boats, UK-designed SSN-AUKUS submarines, and interim US-supplied Virginia Class vessels. creating for the first time a multi-class submarine enterprise.
Industry leaders and Defence officials alike view strengthened sovereign capability in submarine combat systems as essential to supporting this complex transition, ensuring Australia can operate, sustain and evolve its submarine technologies independent of overseas suppliers where required.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
