H&B Defence, a joint venture between HII and Babcock, has secured its first contract under the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program to strengthen supply chain capabilities for the AUKUS partnership. The award formalizes H&B Defence’s role as the delivery partner for HII’s initial A$9.6 million contract with the Australian government.
Over the next two years, the joint venture will lead a nationwide qualification process to identify Australian suppliers with the skills and products needed to support the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier programs at Newport News Shipbuilding in the United States.
The assessment will cover seven high-demand work packages, including castings and forgings, precision machining, air and gas flasks, fabricated parts, composites and glass-reinforced plastic, joinery, and circuit cards. Shortlisting of eligible small and medium-sized enterprises will begin in May, followed by technical evaluations and validations.
H&B Defence will also support Australia’s transition to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1, including workforce development, nuclear infrastructure design and construction, submarine defueling and decommissioning, and long-term sustainment and waste management.
“H&B Defence brings together the only two organizations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and as such, is perfectly placed to support the acceleration and development of critical sovereign capability for the once-in-a-generation AUKUS submarine programme,” said Michael Lempke, Chairman of H&B Defence and President of HII Australia.
Andrew Cridland, CEO of Babcock Australasia and Non-Executive Director of H&B Defence, added: “Securing this contract signals the beginning of a long-term commitment and willingness to deliver innovative, reliable solutions in support of Australia’s national security and that of our allies. We’re proud to partner with HII and the Commonwealth of Australia to strengthen supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless operations and long-term benefits for all members of the AUKUS alliance.”
