The RAN is scheduled to take delivery of the first of up to five Virginia-class SSNs from 2032. Photo: US Navy.
Two major companies involved in building and sustaining nuclear-powered submarines in the US and UK have formed a joint venture to help the Royal Australian Navy transition to its own nuclear-powered submarines early next decade.
US-based HII and the UK’s Babcock have formed H&B Defence and have set up an office in Canberra to accelerate the development of sovereign capabilities for the RAN’s nuclear-powered submarine program being developed under Pillar 1 of the AUKUS construct.
HII is one of two US-based shipyards that design, build, maintain and sustain Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines for the US Navy.
Babcock is a leading naval sustainment provider, including for all of the UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, and owns and operates the UK’s only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defuelling nuclear submarines.
The joint venture says that, together, the two companies bring comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities to support the development of Australia’s sovereign capability.
It says H&B Defence has been established to support all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to a sovereign capability, including workforce, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defuelling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.
To this end, H&B Defence says it will work with government and key stakeholders from industry and academic sectors to develop a comprehensive program to promote and grow a skilled sovereign nuclear workforce in Australia.
The joint venture will be led by managing director Tim Brown AM, a mechanical engineer and submariner with 33 years’ service in the RAN, who has extensive knowledge and experience of Australia’s submarine program as well as Defence and industry strategy.
During his service with the RAN, Mr Brown commanded both a Collins-class submarine and an Anzac-class frigate and, as the director general submarines and head of the submarine profession, led the submarine capability enterprise and played an early role in the AUKUS security partnership.
The board is chaired by HII’s Nuclear and Environmental Services president and HII Australia business lead Michael Lempke, and also includes the Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland.
Mr Brown said H&B Defence’s mission was to transform Australia’s submarine industrial landscape to position the nation to operate nuclear submarines.
“This joint venture will focus on equipping Australia with the requisite industrial base, supply chains and workforce required to support and manage all aspects of the nuclear-powered submarine life cycle,” he said.
Mr Lempke said H&B’s creation marked a significant step forward in an enduring partnership.
“HII is excited to work through H&B Defence to leverage the deep-rooted experience and advanced methodologies from Australia, the UK and the US to support AUKUS Pillar 1,” he said.
“This collaboration is a fusion of resources and visions – aiming to enhance capabilities and foster innovation in submarine technologies and maritime systems to strengthen national and global security while ensuring a safe and secure future.”
Mr Cridland added that the formation of H&B Defence was an exciting day for Babcock Australasia.
“We continue to build on our existing and long-term partnership with the Australian Government in support of our nation’s defences,” he said.
“H&B Defence brings together Babcock and HII’s collective history in nuclear and the best and brightest minds to support AUKUS Pillar 1.”
