AUSSQ proof of concept realised: The first cohort of Australian businesses benchmarked through H&B Defence’s Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Program have each been successfully validated against HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division standards, paving the way for their formal qualification into the US nuclear submarine enterprise. The announcement, made today at INDOPAC 2025, highlights Australia’s continued progress in defence industry integration under AUKUS. The companies, which include CQMS, AW Bell, AJAX, Hycast, Intercast, Supashock, Camco, Stella, Ferra, Axiom and Marand, have undergone rigorous assessments after being selected to join AUSSQ for their respective strengths in high-demand areas: castings, forgings, and precision machining. Each supplier is now progressing through a series of required uplift activities to secure formal qualification into the NNS supply chain. They seek to join eight other Australian businesses already qualifed by H&B Defence through state-led capability uplift programs. Of these suppliers, three have already received formal Requests for Quotation (RFQs) from NNS, opening direct access to US contract opportunities. Led by the Australian Submarine Agency and delivered by H&B Defence, the AUSSQ Program has rapidly matured into a proven and effective model for preparing Australian businesses to compete in one of the world’s most demanding defence supply chains. A further 12 suppliers are also progressing through the AUSSQ qualification pipeline for air and gas system components and fabricated parts, following a $9.3 million program expansion, announced in the US last month by Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy. Additional rounds of participants, targeting new priority capability areas, are expected to be announced in the new year.
SYPAQ partnering with Amiga Engineering on Corvo X production: SYPAQ announced a strategic partnership with Amiga Engineering on the sovereign production of Corvo X, bringing together SYPAQ’s innovation in autonomous systems and Amiga Engineering’s world-class advanced manufacturing expertise. Amiga Engineering is an Australian family-owned business with over 38 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing and operates the largest metal and polymer additive manufacturing service bureau in Australia. Importantly for Corvo X production, Amiga Engineering is Australia’s only certified company to metal 3D print in Scalmalloy. “Our team is honoured to support SYPAQ in the manufacturing of components for Corvo X, by leveraging advanced materials such as Scalmalloy and cutting-edge production techniques to help bring their innovative design to life” says Dee Bourchier, Amiga Engineering Head of Media and Marketing.
ZeroUSV expands autonomous fleet with third Oceanus12 in ‘dazzle’ livery: British autonomous vessel pioneer, ZeroUSV has completed its third Oceanus12 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), marking a key milestone in expanding its growing autonomous fleet, available for outright purchase or charter. The new vessel, features striking geometric livery inspired by the dazzle camouflage used by the Royal Navy in the early 20th century. Designed not for concealment but to distort visual range finding and course estimation, the historic pattern has been reimagined to celebrate the fusion of naval heritage and modern maritime innovation. The completion of the third Oceanus12 reinforces ZeroUSV’s commitment to long range autonomous vessels and accelerates the provision of a COTS (Commercially off the shelf) USV solution which can be set up with integrated payloads for UWW (Underwater warfare ops) in the defence sector or hydrographic survey equipment for the commercial Hydrography market. Oceanus12 is truly use platform, agnostic of its mission. The Oceanus12 is controlled using software from MarineAI’s GuardianAI autonomy suite, delivering COLREG-compliant navigation, adaptive decision-making, and remote mission control, as well as integration of third party payloads.
Mellori Solutions unveils Blue Jay Horizon: Mellori Solutions, an Alkath Group company unveiled Blue Jay Horizon – a containerised, marinised electromagnetic warfare (EW) test and evaluation system that redefines how defence forces around the world can assure the performance of EW sensors and train their command teams. Developed and built by a team of veterans, EW specialists, and engineers in regional New South Wales, Blue Jay Horizon made its public debut on 5 November 2025 at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney. Blue Jay Horizon delivers through-air electromagnetic (EM) stimulation of radar and communication receivers, allowing crews to test, train, and learn in the EM spectrum under maritime conditions, in real time and around the clock. Today’s battlespace is defined by rapid, contested activity across the EM spectrum. Adding Blue Jay Horizon to the test and training mix enhances the tempo and accuracy of exercises, introducing greater realism through simultaneous threat simulations. Command teams can experience the complexity and chaos of the modern-day EM spectrum. Housed in a specialised 10-foot ISO-certified secure container with a retractable roof that shields sensitive electronics from hostile environments when not in use, and allows rapid deployment of the payload systems during operation, Blue Jay Horizon can be deployed on fixed ranges, shore sites, or naval vessels (fully operable up to Sea State 4 and stowable to Sea State 6). Inside, a software-defined RF architecture drives wideband generation of RF signals from 20 MHz to 40 GHz, providing the adaptability to replicate dynamic, real-world signal scenarios.
Chief Fluid Systems signs deal with Fairbanks Morse Defense: Chief Fluid Systems Pty Ltd has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) at Indo-Pacific 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic partnerships. Under the agreement, Chief Fluid Systems has been appointed FMD’s authorised distributor in Australia for Hunt Valve and fittings products, responsible for distribution, servicing, and support across both surface and sub-surface platforms. The partnership ensures that Australian operators have reliable access to critical components and technical expertise, supporting operational excellence across the Marine and Naval sectors. By combining FMD’s global expertise with Chief Fluid Systems’ local knowledge and service capability, the collaboration strengthens sovereign capability and readiness across Australia’s maritime and naval operations. “Partnering with Fairbanks Morse Defense represents a significant step forward for Chief Fluid Systems and our customers,” said Glen Haddon, Director of Chief Fluid Systems. “This agreement allows us to deliver innovative solutions and trusted technical support, ensuring Australian naval and maritime operators have access to the highest standards of service and reliability.” Chief Fluid Systems will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and servicing capabilities for Hunt Valve and fittings products in Australia, ensuring that essential components are available and fully supported for both surface and sub-surface applications. The MOU highlights Chief Fluid Systems’ ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the advancement of Australia’s sovereign capability in the Marine and Naval sectors.
Industry leaders unite to deliver combat system capability for SSN-AUKUS: Four major Defence companies have proposed the establishment of an AUKUS Combat Systems Collaborative Team in contemplation of a potential role for Australia’s SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today. BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales propose to lead the design and lay the foundations for manufacture and integration of combat systems for SSN-AUKUS under agreements to be negotiated with the Commonwealth of Australia and United Kingdom Government. SSN-AUKUS will be based on the UK’s next-generation design and incorporate technology from all three nations. The combination of technology from all three nations is intended to deliver a world-class submarine that meets Australia’s long-term defence requirements. The collaboration draws on over 150 years of collective experience in the design, integration, and delivery from industry leaders across three nations, an expertise that is intended to meet the demands of delivering a cutting-edge combat system for SSN-AUKUS in a way that reduces both programmatic and workforce risks across the program whilst accelerating speed to capability. Under the MOU, the parties have agreed to work collaboratively to build and protect Australian sovereignty by designing a tri-national Command System as a shared solution for Australia and the UK which builds on General Dynamics’ existing AN/BYG-1 system and leverages the existing industrial base and workforce supporting the RAN. AN/BYG-1 is an open-architecture submarine combat control system which integrates tactical control, payload and weapons control and information assurance. The system is installed on Australia’s Collins class submarines, as well as the U.S. Navy’s Virginia, Los Angeles, Ohio, Columbia, and Seawolf-class submarines. The Collaborative Team intend to optimise Australian involvement in Combat System design and delivery, while facilitating skills, technology, and knowledge transfer across the AUKUS nations to strengthen Australian industry for the SSN-AUKUS program.
BAE Systems Australia selects Ultra Maritime for torpedo defence system: The Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter class frigates will be equipped with state-of-the-art defence systems following BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s decision to award Ultra Maritime a contract for its Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system. Each Hunter class frigate will be equipped with Ultra Maritime’s world-leading technology, providing critical defence against torpedo threats using advanced acoustic detection and integrated countermeasures—enhancing the fleet’s anti-submarine warfare capability and safeguarding Australia’s maritime interests. Incorporating a sonar and two methods of decoy, the SSTD system uses acoustic signatures to provide advice on the most effective tactics—such as zig-zags or hard turns—to defeat a detected torpedo. Based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Ultra Maritime is already contracted to deliver the Bow Sonar into the Hunter Class Frigate Program, which has medium range active and passive sonar for detection of submarines. Andy Coxall, Delivery Director – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said. “The Hunter class frigates are a critical capability for protecting Australian shores and safeguarding the accessibility of ship lanes and undersea cables that our nation depends on. Ultra Maritime is a world-leader in anti-submarine warfare and its expertise and proven solutions will deliver next-generation naval capabilities to these Tier 1 warships, ensuring they are equipped to meet evolving security challenges. Through partnerships with Australian suppliers such as Ultra Maritime, the Hunter Class Frigate Program is advancing our nation’s sovereign defence capability and supporting local industry to strengthen the national defence supply chain.”
Lockheed Martin awards Moog Australia contract to develop control actuation system for GMLRS: Lockheed Martin Australia has awarded Moog Australia a contract for the development of its control actuation system (CAS) for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The Moog partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia will strengthen the domestic industry supply chain and advance the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosives Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise objectives to increase Defence preparedness and national resilience by establishing domestic manufacture of GMLRS in Australia. Moog joins Thales, Marand and AW Bell in a growing list of Australian companies working to advance guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. James Heading, Director and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Australia Missiles and Fire Control welcomed the opportunity to partner with Moog, “As a GWEO Strategic Partner, Lockheed Martin welcomes the partnership with Moog. Collaboration with Australian industry and world-class suppliers like Moog is key to delivering the objectives of the GWEO Plan and strengthening Australia’s industrial base,” Heading said. Moog’s control actuation system for GMLRS is composed of a control unit and four actuators that independently position fins placed around the rocket to improve its direction in flight and accuracy. This advanced technology enables the GMLRS to effectively control and steer their way over the battlefield, eliminating mission-critical targets with less collateral damage and improving the safety of military forces by placing them farther from conflict.
NIOA, MBDA to explore MISTRAL missile manufacture in Australia: Australia could become the first country outside of France to produce one of the world’s most advanced air defence missile systems. Australian-owned NIOA and multinational European defence company MBDA chose the stage of the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney today to announce they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on MISTRAL missile solutions. The MoU also provides the opportunity to explore options for assembly or production of Australian made warheads for the MISTRAL suite of missiles and becoming part of the global MISTRAL supply chain. The French-made MISTRAL is a Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system that works on a “fire-and-forget” mode, with a high manoeuvrability supersonic speed, guaranteeing a short interception time. These functionalities allow it to intercept a wide variety of threats, from aircraft to helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, missile-capable navy gunboats and loitering munitions. NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said the newly-inked agreement between NIOA and MBDA supported the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy for closer industrial collaboration with trusted international partners. “MBDA are world leaders in the missile industry. With the Australian Government’s focus on domestic manufacturing of a wider range of munitions and the expansion of partnerships with industry, the timing is right for NIOA and MBDA to take this first and significant step. Co-design, co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of capabilities such as MISTRAL missiles will make effective use of combined resources, strengthening collective defence industrial capacity, enhancing interoperability and accelerating technology development.” The MISTRAL’s multi-domain (land, maritime and air) lethality, versatility and portability – it can be used in a man-portable launcher or integrated onto launch platforms – have made it the air defence weapon of choice for allied militaries.
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