Lockheed Martin Australia, as the designated Virginia Class Submarine Combat System Integration Strategic Partner, has signed a multi-year A$29.3 million contract with the Australian Submarine Agency to create the sovereign combat systems integration (CSI) capability essential for supporting Australia’s future Virginia class submarines under AUKUS.
Under this contract, Lockheed Martin Australia will work hand‑in‑hand with the Australian Submarine Agency and its strategic sustainment partner to establish a long‑term SSN CSI capability and workforce to support Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine fleet. The initiative will develop the infrastructure, technical skills, training programs, technology transfer processes, industrial partnerships, and workforce needed to update, upgrade, and support the maintenance of the combat systems of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
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.”
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.”
The new contract will create over 20 new CSI engineering jobs to support initial work in Western Australia within the first year, expanding on the company’s current 470+ maritime combat systems, and integrated air and missile defence workforce. This critical workforce is expected to grow in the coming years as Australian industry progressively increases its support to United States Navy submarines at Submarine Rotational Force-West, ahead of Australia operating its own nuclear‑powered fleet.
The Australian team will initially be supported by Lockheed Martin Virginia class submarine subject matter experts (SMEs) from the US, to rapidly train staff, build skills and accelerate capability development. The SMEs will shadow local engineers, imparting deep technical know‑how and the know‑why that underpins high complexity sub-surface systems, ensuring Australia can establish, enhance, and maintain a sovereign CSI and sustainment capability over the life of the nuclear‑powered submarine fleet.
Together with the Australian Submarine Agency, Lockheed Martin Australia will conduct a comprehensive market analysis of Australia’s supply chain needs for the Virginia class combat system. This analysis will identify opportunities for existing and new Australian suppliers to contribute to the global Virginia class supply chain, further embedding Australian Defence Industry within this landmark platform.
King added, “Building Australia’s sovereign combat system integration capability is vital to our future submarine enterprise. This partnership will strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly with allies and deepen the Australia-US industrial base collaboration while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected]
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]
