iscover
Western Australia’s defence capabilities have been put on display as a UK naval ship visits the state for maintenance.
The Royal Navy’s HMS Anson has recently visited Western Australia for a period of maintenance, giving small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the state a rare opportunity to deliver critical capabilities on an operational nuclear-powered submarine.
Twelve SMEs across the state were involved in the maintenance, as well as 35 locally manufactured parts being used to upkeep operations on the Astute Class submarine.
Marking a key point in the progression of enhancing the local workforce and industry in specialised skills for nuclear-powered submarine maintenance, WA’s defence industries minister, Paul Papalia, said that this is a clear display of WA’s defence capabilities.
“Many WA businesses played a hands-on role during HMS Anson’s visit, demonstrating the state’s readiness to play a central role in the AUKUS partnership,” he said.
“WA businesses are stepping up with the skills, innovation and expertise needed to support AUKUS, and that means more WA jobs and a stronger and more diversified economy for the future.”
The SMEs delivered a range of critical capabilities, including biofuelling management which eliminated the need for dry-docking.
“Our local defence industry is rapidly building the sovereign capability needed to sustain nuclear-powered submarines and be ready for the Submarine Rotational Force - West from 2027.”
This is a significant step for Western Australia as it continues to position itself as a critical defence state as Australia shortly begins acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines as a part of the AUKUS pact.
The maintenance follows the announcement of the AUKUS SME Readiness Grant last year which aims to increase the role of local defence companies.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.
