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ASC has announced that more than 60 businesses are progressing through a national qualification program to support the build of Virginia Class submarines.
The milestone, announced at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference in Perth this week, highlights Western Australia’s growing role in AUKUS and ASC’s work to uplift local suppliers to compete in the US submarine supply chain.
Through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program, established by the Australian Submarine Agency in partnership with the US Government, ASC is helping Australian industry lift its systems, processes and technical capability to meet US submarine requirements.
WA-based manufacturers VEEM and Camco Engineering recently attained DIVQ qualification, joining Victorian business Mackay Australia, Bale Defence from Port Macquarie in NSW, and HIFraser, which has operations in NSW and WA. These five companies are now eligible to compete for contracts to supply components for the nuclear-powered Virginia Class fleet.
A further 60 businesses from around Australia are currently at various stages of qualification, as they work to meet stringent engineering, quality, and security standards.
Through DIVQ, ASC is working alongside US submarine builders General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding to assess and certify Australian companies capable of supplying components such as mechanical assemblies, valves, pipe fittings, machined parts, electrical systems, and castings and forgings.
ASC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Alex Walsh, said the progress demonstrated the depth and capability of Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
“ASC is working side-by-side with local businesses to help them meet the rigorous standards of the US submarine enterprise, and Australian industry is proving it has what it takes,” Alex said.
“Australian manufacturers have deep capability in precision manufacturing, sustainment and engineering. What we’re now seeing is Australian industry stepping confidently into a global defence supply chain — not just supporting Australia’s future submarines, but contributing directly to allied capability.
“Once a company meets these standards, the doors open… This is about creating enduring capability, skilled jobs, and sovereign industrial strength that will benefit Australia for generations.”
The DIVQ Program is a cornerstone of ASC’s broader AUKUS supply chain strategy, focused on building a pipeline of Australian suppliers capable of supporting the long-term construction and sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. For participating businesses, the opportunity extends well beyond a single contract.
“I am extremely proud of our team for achieving qualification through the DIVQ Program,” according to Bale Defence managing director Link Bale.
“It is well-deserved recognition of the quality and calibre of work they consistently deliver in support of those who serve our nation. Bale Defence looks forward to contributing to the Virginia Class submarine program, while showcasing the depth of capability within Australia’s defence industry and its critical role in delivering the objectives of the AUKUS agreement.”
The Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is designed to accelerate the integration of Australian businesses into the Virginia Class submarine supply chain and to support construction of Virginia Class submarines in the United States.
Through DIVQ, ASC is working with an Australian-based team from General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding to fast-track qualification for Australian businesses to supply parts for the Virginia Class submarines.
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