More Attack-class submarine contracts announced

More Attack-class submarine contracts announced

Australian company PMB Defence Pty Ltd and Greek company Systems Sunlight S.A. have signed subcontracts with Naval Group Australia to design the main storage batteries for the Attack-class submarines through a competitive process.

According to Naval Group, PMB Defence, based in Adelaide and Sunlight, based in Greece have been contracted to provide design, prototyping and qualification activities for the Main Storage Batteries. Both organisations will provide Naval Group with the data necessary to select one as the preferred MSB design for the Attack Class program in 2022.

The Main Storage Batteries are responsible for supplying power to the propulsion system of the submarine and to other equipment on-board the ship. They directly impact the safety of the submarine when diving, making them a critical piece of equipment for the platform.

PMB is a leading supplier of high quality energy and specialised engineering solutions for submarine platforms in Australia. Since 1989 they have continuously supplied MSB’s for the Collins Class and more recently have been contracted to design the UK’s next generation submarine battery. Sunlight is a worldwide recognised submarine battery designer and manufacturer with an extensive knowledge of submarines.

John Davis, CEO, Naval Group Australia said: “The supply contract will be awarded to the organisation that provides a technically superior design, represents the best value for money and demonstrates a strong commitment to the program’s Australian Industry Capability requirements. Naval Group will continue to work with both parties in a range of areas moving forwards to ensure best program outcomes and the maximisation of the involvement of Australian industry in all phases on the contract.”

Naval Group added that Sunlight has outlined in its Australian Industry Capability Plan their commitment to local manufacturing in Australia including the transfer of technology, skills and knowledge if successful.

Defence Minister Senator Linda Reynolds has welcomed the announcement, saying that the design of the main storage batteries is one of the “Top 5” critical equipment items to the overall design of the Attack class submarine as they are the main source of power when the submarine is submerged,” Minister Reynolds said.

“A competitive process will ensure the final designer selected will deliver the very best battery technology to meet the key performance requirements of the Attack class submarine”, she added.

The announcement comes in the wake of a new report by the group Submarines for Australia questioning Naval Group’s “extremely low level of commitment” to Australian industry participation in the program and called for an alternate plan to deliver submarines to Australia should the ongoing project fail, which it says there is a “high risk” of.