Lockheed Martin has signed a contract to establish a combat systems integration capability for Australia’s future Virginia submarines.
Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a 29.3-million Australian dollar ($20.69-million) contract with the Australian Submarine Agency to establish a sovereign combat systems integration capability for the country's future Virginia-class submarines under the AUKUS security partnership.
Canberra plans to acquire three in-service Virginia-class nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines from the US, with the first expected to enter Royal Australian Navy service in the early 2030s.
A submarine’s combat effectiveness depends heavily on its combat system. The new capability will support the integration and testing of combat system upgrades, as well as maintenance and repairs.
Alongside this, the program will strengthen Australia’s industrial and technical base by developing infrastructure, expertise, and industry partnerships, while creating around 100 jobs at Lockheed Martin Australia. Initial work will be carried out in Western Australia.
Australian Submarine Agency Head of Virginia, Rear Admiral David Mann, said the agreement marks an important step in building the sovereign capability Australia needs to support its future Virginia-class submarines.
"Combat system integration is critical to the capability and effectiveness of our future submarine fleet.
"This partnership will help grow Australia's skilled workforce, strengthen sovereign industry capability, and create new opportunities for Australian businesses.
"Together, we are building the expertise needed to support and sustain this nationally significant capability for decades to come."
Australian Suppliers for Global Supply Chain
The contract will create more than 20 combat systems integration engineering jobs in Western Australia during its first year, adding to Lockheed Martin Australia’s existing 470-plus maritime combat systems and integrated air and missile defense workforce.
The team will initially be supported by US-based Virginia-class submarine experts, who will train Australian engineers and transfer technical expertise to build a sovereign combat systems integration and sustainment capability.
Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Submarine Agency will also assess Australia’s supply-chain needs for the Virginia-class combat system, identifying opportunities for local suppliers to join the global Virginia-class supply chain.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Jeremy King, said, “I acknowledge and thank the Australian Submarine Agency on achieving this important milestone.”
“Combat systems integration is fundamental to delivering a highly advanced, secure and operationally dominant submarine fleet.”
“Lockheed Martin Australia brings decades of combat systems integration expertise to this partnership, and we are deeply honoured to support the Australian Submarine Agency. This national endeavour builds the workforce and sovereign capability that will underpin Australia’s future submarine enterprise.”
