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The Albanese government has named HIFraser as the first Australian company formally qualified to supply components for the United States’ Virginia Class submarines, marking a major step forward for local industry under the AUKUS partnership.
The Sydney-based advanced manufacturer has been approved to provide three valve types and pipe fittings for use in both the construction and sustainment of the US Navy’s attack submarines. The qualification comes less than a year after the government awarded an initial contract to begin producing the parts for assessment by US vendors.
The Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ), funded by the Australian government and central to the AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, is designed to fast-track the certification of Australian-made products for inclusion in US and UK submarine supply chains. The program aims to cement local industry’s role in delivering and supporting Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
The announcement coincides with the maintenance period for the United States Ship (USS) Vermont, currently under way at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
It is the first time a US nuclear-powered submarine has completed maintenance in Australia without the support of a US tender ship, with the work instead carried out by Australian, US and UK teams based ashore.
Royal Australian Navy personnel and ASC workers are partnering with US counterparts to conduct more than 160 maintenance tasks, including the deployment of a world-first mobile pure water plant engineered by WA firms MAK Water and Diverse Welding to meet stringent American and British standards.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the qualification of HIFraser and the work occurring at HMAS Stirling showed that “AUKUS is happening at pace – strengthening national security, creating jobs and building a Future Made in Australia”.
Two Australian officers and 11 sailors are currently embarked in USS Vermont, supporting the four-week maintenance period and routine submarine operations.
“It is fantastic to see this work in action here at the home of our submarines,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said HIFraser’s milestone demonstrated the government’s commitment to opening new pathways for Australian companies.
“The qualification of HIFraser products to Virginia Class submarine standards through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is further demonstration of the Albanese government’s investment to deliver opportunities for industry,” Minister Marles said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said both HIFraser and MAK Water embodied the opportunities emerging under AUKUS.
“HIFraser’s qualification and MAK Water’s achievement showcase how AUKUS is delivering opportunities for Australian industry, creating jobs for local workers and building our sovereign capability,” Minister Conroy said.
Minister Conroy added, “These milestones show how Australian industry is not only supporting our own submarines but contributing to the sustainment of US and UK fleets as well.”
The federal government is investing $8 billion to upgrade HMAS Stirling to support the Submarine Rotational Force-West from 2027.
Across the next three decades, the nuclear-powered submarine program is expected to generate around 20,000 direct Australian jobs, backed by new training pathways, scholarships and long-term partnerships to build and sustain a highly skilled workforce.
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.
