Australia has chosen Lockheed Martin as the preferred combat system integration partner for its future fleet of Virginia-class submarines.
Australia has chosen Lockheed Martin as the preferred combat system integration partner for its future fleet of Virginia-class submarines.
The move marks another milestone in Australia’s plan to operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines beginning in the early 2030s under the broader AUKUS security pact with the UK and the US.
Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin Australia will support combat system integration, testing, sustainment, and crew training for the future submarines, helping preserve and upgrade the vessels’ combat capabilities throughout their service life.
The company will also work with the Australian Submarine Agency and ASC Pty Ltd to strengthen local industrial capacity and technical expertise.
The program is expected to produce approximately 100 additional roles at Lockheed Martin Australia, with initial work based in Western Australia.
“AUKUS is on track and happening now,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated.
“By making these decisions now, we are ensuring our local industry and naval workforce is equipped with the skills it needs to operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines which will protect our nation and keep Australians safe.”
‘Seamless Interoperability’
Canberra said that the combat systems will help ensure coordination between its incoming submarines and the US Navy’s existing Virginia fleet while boosting the country’s sovereign defense capabilities.
Those solutions will be integrated into three Australian Virginia submarines, which will serve as an interim capability while transitioning to the separate SSN-AUKUS or AUKUS-class vessels being developed under the trilateral AUKUS partnership with London and Washington.
Five SSN-AUKUS submarines are expected to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins-class fleet, while up to 12 boats will eventually succeed the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines once commissioned.
“Drawing on more than 60 years of experience as the US Navy's submarine combat system integrator, we're confident that our expertise will enable seamless interoperability between the Australian and US navies, ensuring the SSN fleet is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Stephanie Hill, president of rotary and mission systems at Lockheed Martin.
