Babcock to develop weapon handling system for Australia’s new submarine

UK defense contractor Babcock has won a contract to design and build the weapons handling system for Australia’s new Attack class submarines.

The contract with Naval Group, announced by the Australian Ministry of Defence, will support the operation and sustainment of the future submarines, including managing the involvement of the local supply chain in the manufacture, supply and assembly of critical components for the weapons handling system.

The Australian Government’s AU$50 billion programme will see 12 Attack class submarines designed and built for the Australian Navy. Babcock’s role is expected to be worth around £1 billion over the lifetime of the program. Work on the design will begin immediately.

While the preliminary design phase of the weapons system will commence in Bristol, United Kingdom, this work will initiate a transfer of skills and intellectual property to Babcock’s Australian business, which will act as the Engineering Design Authority for the project.

This win adds to Babcock’s well-established Australian supply-chain, which has been supporting the Collins weapons system for more than 20 years.

Babcock CEO Archie Bethel said: “I am delighted that Babcock will play a significant role in Australia’s future submarine program. The ability to transfer our unique Babcock IP, know-how and expertise internationally across the Group allows us to play an increasing role in ensuring the defence of countries around the world.”