A marine technology company based south-east of Perth is joining the supply chain for the Hunter class frigate program. VEEM, based in Canning Vale, has been awarded a contract worth approximately $180,000 by BAE Systems Maritime Australia to develop a prototype propeller blade for the future frigates, set to be among the most advanced anti-submarine warships in the world.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract with VEEM was signed following an initial feasibility study in 2020. Price said it was clear evidence of the benefits of the government’s $270 billion investment in defence capability flowing through to small and medium Australian businesses. VEEM will work with marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime to develop the propeller blade prototype.
“This is an important project for the Hunter class frigates and a great opportunity for Australia’s defence industry as we continue to develop our local capability to support naval shipbuilding in Australia,” Price said. “We look forward to seeing more Australian industry participation in the Naval Shipbuilding Program, improving Australia’s defence manufacturing capability.”
Through the government’s Naval Shipbuilding Program, the Hunter class frigate project will deliver nine anti-submarine warfare frigates to maintain the Royal Australian Navy’s Surface Combatant capability and replace the existing fleet of eight Anzac Class frigates.
Federal Liberal Member for Tangney Ben Morton said VEEM was making valuable contributions to Australia’s Defence industry and ensuring Australia’s defence personnel had the best kit available to them. “I am also pleased that the Federal Government has recently supported VEEM to increase its capability to manufacture for Australian Defence programs through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund Round 2,” Morton said. “This significant investment from the Morrison Government ensures that manufacturing propellers for the Hunter class frigates can minimise impacts on VEEM’s growing traditional propeller business.”
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