Honeywell has been awarded a contract to support the AUKUS Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) pilot program, aimed at strengthening Australia’s submarine supply chain. The contract, awarded by BlueForge Alliance on behalf of the U.S. Navy’s AUKUS Acquisition and Integration Office, involves establishing a security framework to facilitate technology transfer for the production, sustainment, and operation of Virginia-Class submarines in Australia.
The AUKUS partnership, formed between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States in 2021, is focused on enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. One of its priorities is developing nuclear stewardship capabilities to support Australia’s role in submarine production. The program will involve a network of suppliers and partners, employing over 30,000 workers in Australia and 100,000 in the United States.
As part of the contract, Honeywell will work with U.S.-based partners Orbis Sibro Inc., Argus Enterprises, and Massa Products Corporation, as well as Australian company Senetas. Additional Australian firms are expected to join the initiative. The team will implement the pilot program over the next two years, focusing on integrating Australian industry into the submarine supply chain.
Lee Davis, Head of Defense and Space Australia at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, emphasized the significance of the program, stating that it plays a key role in strengthening Australia’s defense industry. Partner companies have also highlighted their contributions, citing expertise in submarine design, logistics, and network security as essential components of the initiative.
The AUKUS SIB pilot program aims to create a more resilient and collaborative submarine industrial base, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational readiness for future submarine fleets.