Lockheed Martin Australia selected preferred Combat System Integration Partner for Australia's future Virginia class submarines

The partnership is expected to provide extensive opportunities for Australian industry and workers and build the breadth of technical skill and knowledge in Australia.

It is expected that an additional 100 jobs will be created at Lockheed Martin Australia in support of the Combat System Integration Partner program, with initial work to be undertaken in WA.

The combat system underpins the potency and lethality of a submarine. The Combat System Integration Partner is pivotal to the effectiveness of Australia’s future Virginia class submarines – including through the implementation and testing of combat systems improvements, and supporting crews in conducting maintenance and repair on the combat system.

This will complement the long standing submarine combat system Armament Cooperative Programs between the Australian and US Governments to integrate and sustain the combat capability of the submarines.

The Australian Government will now work closely with Lockheed Martin Australia on developing an initial services contract, with an estimated two-year contract term.

“AUKUS is on track and happening now… The selection of the preferred Combat System Integration Partner is another significant milestone for Australia’s future fleet of Virginia class submarines,” according to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

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“By making these decisions now, we are ensuring our local industry and naval workforce is equipped with the skills it needs to operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines which will protect our nation and keep Australians safe.”

The acquisition of Australia’s nuclear conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is the single biggest capability acquisition in our nation’s history and will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years.

Australia’s Virginia class conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be sovereign Australian submarines under the command of the Royal Australian Navy at the direction of the Australian Government.

“AUKUS will be the greatest industrial endeavour ever undertaken in Australia, generating around 20,000 jobs as part of a future made in Australia,” according to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy.

“It will provide opportunities for Aussie workers to develop important technical skills and knowledge, strengthening our sovereign defence industry.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.