ASC selects ORBIS as first US AUKUS capability partner

ASC Pty Ltd (ASC), Australia’s submarine company, has selected Orbis Sibro Inc. (dba ORBIS) as its first US AUKUS capability collaboration partner. ORBIS is a veteran owned US Defence contractor headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, which employs over 450 employees. ORBIS supports the US nuclear powered submarine and aircraft carrier enterprises. ORBIS will be engaged to perform a Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-W) Gap Analysis to support ASC’s requirements to develop and deliver a SSN Submarine Support System Plan and a SSN Industrial Workforce Plan. As the Australian Government’s selected Sovereign Submarine Partner for sustainment of both conventionally-armed and nuclear-powered submarines, ASC has a pivotal role to play in delivering SRF-W through building, developing and upskilling its workforce. The Gap Analysis will identify ASC’s recruitment and training needs for the AUKUS SSN Sustainment program and enable training placements in the USA for ASC’s Australian employees for future roles in Virginia Class sustainment in Australia. ASC’s collaboration with ORBIS is a key milestone in Australia’s efforts to sustain its conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. ASC CEO and Managing Director Stuart Whiley said: “ASC is pleased to partner with ORBIS, which has an excellent reputation within the US Defence community. This marks a significant milestone in ASC’s journey towards maintaining Australia’s Virginia class submarines and we look forward to working with ORBIS to ensure a sovereign and enduring nuclear submarine capability for the nation.” ORBIS President Charles Grabenstein said: “As a company with deep roots in the US Nuclear-Powered Submarine enterprise, ORBIS understands that the success of the AUKUS program is critical to both US and Australian defence needs. Both nations rely on the freedom of the seas to promote national security and economic interests. Failure is not an option.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]