Defence companies Babcock and HII have combined forces in Australia, working together to support critical capability requirements for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS nuclear submarine program .
Babcock and HII will collaborate to develop the optimal models for nuclear-powered submarine capability, including infrastructure, sustainment and the development of the necessary skills, to support the AUKUS endeavour.
The parties will engage the Australian industry to optimize specific solution sets and provide a trilateral offering.
“Working with HII in Australia to support the critical capabilities required to deliver the AUKUS programme is the next important step in our relationship and significantly strengthens our Australasian business,” Babcock CEO David Lockwood said.
“By harnessing Babcock’s heritage and capabilities to accelerate the development of sovereign capability in Australia, alongside HII’s extensive experience and expertise as America’s largest shipbuilding company, Babcock is strategically positioned to support the Australian Government in the delivery of this critical programme. National security has never been more important and now more than ever, what we do matters.”
Babcock currently sustains 100 per cent of the UK’s Royal Navy submarine fleet and owns and operates the UK’s only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defueling nuclear submarines.
HII has worked on building, maintaining and sustaining nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy and has delivered more than 60 over the last four decades.