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Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy is set to travel to the United States for a range of professional engagements that are expected to strengthen the Australia–US defence cooperation.
In a press release, Minister Conroy said the visit will focus on strengthening Australian business collaboration with the US, as well as checking in on the progress of the AUKUS deal.
“AUKUS will be the greatest industrial endeavour ever undertaken in Australia, and we are focused on delivering this,” his statement reads.
“The Albanese government is committed to building greater self-reliance within the alliance so that Australia can be resilient in an increasingly complex strategic environment.”
As part of the visit, Minister Conroy will visit Royal Australian Navy students who are currently training at the AUKUS Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina.
This training facility provides Australia naval personnel with more practical and experience-based learning that will be critical when Australia begins operating Virginia Class nuclear submarines in the 2030s.
Minister Conroy’s stop in South Carolina will also involve a visit to the HII Shipyard, which is currently supporting Australian supply chains through running the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Program.
This program allows Australian businesses to be certified and cleared to sell parts to the US in support of defence manufacturing.
Minister Conroy is also expected to meet with senior US officials and Congress members to support collaboration efforts.
“This trip is about building opportunities for Australian industry and jobs, building supply chain resilience and seeing progress on our investment in AUKUS.”
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