HIFraser first to qualify for Virginia-class program

The Australian government announced HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the government-funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ) – supporting advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs, and strengthening Australia’s security through the AUKUS partnership. HIFraser is now qualified to supply three valve types and pipe fittings to US submarine programs, for use in the construction and sustainment of Virginia class submarines. This comes less than 12 months after the awarding of an initial contract by the Albanese Government to commence manufacturing of these parts for qualification by US vendors. DIVQ is a key initiative under Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, accelerating the qualification of Australian products into US and UK submarine supply chains and ensuring Australian companies and workers are at the heart of this generational capability uplift. The announcement coincides with the Submarine Maintenance Period for United States Ship (USS) Vermont at HMAS Stirling. This is the first time a US nuclear­‑powered submarine has undergone a maintenance period in Australia without a US support ship, with this milestone being achieved solely by Australian, US and UK onshore teams. During this maintenance period, personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and ASC are working alongside their US counterparts to support more than 160 maintenance tasks, including a world-first mobile pure water plant designed by Western Australian companies MAK Water and Diverse Welding to meet stringent US and UK standards. There are also two Australian officers and 11 Australian sailors who are part of the crew of USS Vermont supporting all aspects of the maintenance period and routine submarine operations over a four-week period. These milestones highlight how AUKUS is creating extraordinary opportunities for Australian industry, workers and Defence personnel – a critical step towards Australia’s capacity to own, operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarines. The Albanese Government is investing $8 billion to upgrade HMAS Stirling to support Submarine Rotational Force‑West from 2027. Over the next 30 years, around 20,000 direct jobs will be created across Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, supported by training pathways, scholarships, and industry partnerships that will deliver a highly skilled workforce for decades to come. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “AUKUS is happening at pace – strengthening national security, creating jobs, and building a Future Made in Australia. Today’s announcement is another example of how our investments in AUKUS are bolstering Defence capabilities and supporting Australian workers. It is fantastic to see this work in action here at the home of our submarines, at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said: “Australian Defence Force personnel and industry are working side by side with our AUKUS partners to deliver a demanding maintenance program on a US Virginia class submarine – building the skills and experience that will underpin our sovereign submarine capability. The qualification of HIFraser products to Virginia class submarine standards through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is further demonstration of the Albanese Government’s investment to deliver opportunities for industry. Australians are making an unprecedented contribution to the operation, building and sustainment of nuclear‑powered submarines.” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “HIFraser’s qualification and MAK Water’s achievement showcase how AUKUS is delivering opportunities for Australian industry, creating jobs for local workers and building our sovereign capability. These milestones demonstrate the way Australian industry and workers are not only supporting our own submarines, but contributing to the sustainment of US and UK fleets as well. Our three navies, alongside industry, are working, learning and innovating together – making us stronger than the sum of our parts.” ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Whiley, congratulated HIFraser: “HIFraser’s achievement is a significant milestone for Australian industry and demonstrates the capability and quality we can deliver to the AUKUS partnership,” Stuart said. “Through DIVQ, we are opening doors for Australian businesses to participate in one of the most advanced defence programs in the world, creating opportunities that will endure for decades.” HIFraser Chief Strategy Officer, Debora Fortkamp said: “HIFraser is proud to play a key role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability through the DIVQ program. By meeting stringent qualification standards, we reinforce our commitment to excellence in critical systems, ensuring our expertise delivers lasting value across the AUKUS supply chain.” Several other Australian businesses are in the final stages of qualification under DIVQ which will allow them to join HIFraser and compete for contracts to supply into the Virginia class submarine program. Building on these early successes, ASA and ASC are working with the US and UK to establish additional DIVQ projects. These will enable Australian industry to provide parts, repairs and services across all three AUKUS partners. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]