Rolls-Royce expands partnership with Marand, creates Canberra regional defence HQ

Rolls-Royce announced it is expanding its partnership with Marand Precision Engineering into a new export venture, supplying naval gas turbine propulsion packages to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles opens new Rolls-Royce Pacific Rim Defence headquarters. (PHOTO: Rolls-Royce) Additionally, Rolls-Royce has opened a new regional Defence Headquarters in Canberra, Australia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF), building Australian sovereign industrial capability, and expanding its presence in the Pacific Rim. The Canberra facility was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on 12 August 2026. Following a competitive international tender, Rolls-Royce selected Marand to build three additional gas turbine acoustic enclosures and corresponding ship interface systems for the Type 26 programme. Marand will manufacture and assemble the enclosures at its Melbourne facility and supply them to Rolls-Royce. This builds on an existing contract under which Marand supplies the same systems for the Commonwealth of Australia’s Hunter-class Frigate Programme, and the completed propulsion packages are delivered to the shipbuilder, BAE Systems Australia. Rolls-Royce supplies the MT30 gas turbines under both contracts, while mtu power generation solutions also support the Hunter-class programme as part of Rolls-Royce’s broader naval power and propulsion portfolio. The enclosure provides mechanical support, noise suppression, controls, air intake, exhaust outlet, ventilation and auxiliary supplies needed to ensure optimal performance of the MT30 gas turbine. Rolls-Royce engineers are co-located at Marand’s facility in Melbourne, working alongside the local manufacturing teams. This close collaboration supports the highly complex design development, packaging and testing of the MT30 enclosures before final delivery. By localising the packaging and integration of the engine, the partnership is developing Australia’s sovereign industrial defence capability and growing highly skilled engineering roles in Melbourne. Alex Zino, Defence Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, Rolls-Royce, said: “This is a transformative step in our partnership with Marand Precision Engineering. Marand was selected from an international field, a testament to the quality of Australian engineering, and it underscores our commitment to bolster Australia’s sovereign capability. We look forward to working closely with Marand, BAE Systems Australia, and our customers around the world.” Rohan Stocker, CEO of ASDAM Group and Marand, said: “It is a privilege for our team to manufacture and assemble the gas turbine acoustic enclosure and ship interface systems for Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems Australia and ultimately for the Commonwealth. The partnership with Rolls-Royce has been an opportunity to learn from, and deliver an outstanding product with, a global leader in Defence Engineering. The new, dedicated Defence headquarters will serve as the strategic hub for Rolls-Royce Defence Pacific Rim operations, servicing markets across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. Rolls-Royce will invest in the new facility over next five years, which will increase visibility and accessibility, allowing for seamless, face-to-face collaboration with key stakeholders on major national security and defence programmes. Rolls-Royce is investing AU$1 million in the new facility over five years, which will help streamline communication and support for several high-profile, multi-domain defence projects currently underway with the ADF, regional partners, and strategic frameworks like AUKUS.” Thijs Miedema, Senior Vice President for Defence Pacific Rim, Rolls-Royce, said: “Establishing our regional Defence headquarters in Canberra is a critical step forward for Rolls-Royce in the Pacific Rim. While we have long maintained a strong footprint in Australia, this permanent base brings us closer to the heart of the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force leadership. It ensures we can provide immediate, collaborative engagement to better support the vital programmes that safeguard Australia and our regional partners.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]