The stationing of Virginia-class submarines creates opportunities for domestic businesses. Photo: Australian Submarine Agency.
Western Australian and Australian businesses are being called on to play a direct role in sustaining US-built submarines in WA.
Businesses in WA and elsewhere in the country can now submit expressions of interest through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program to secure work supporting Virginia-class submarines operating from HMAS Stirling.
“AUKUS is opening the door to major new defence work, and we want Western Australian businesses to be first through it,” Premier and Defence Industries Minister Roger Cook said.
“The expanded DIVQ Program puts WA companies in a prime position to support the sustainment of Virginia-class submarines at HMAS Stirling — real work, real capability, right here in WA.
“AUKUS is already delivering jobs and manufacturing opportunities for Western Australians, and SRF‑West will only accelerate that momentum.”
From 2027, Submarine Rotational Force — West (SRF‑West) will create new opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain sphere.
This new force expands the DIVQ Program current role, enabling Australian firms to compete for opportunities in the Virginia-class supply chain supporting submarine construction in the US.
Under the program, established jointly by the Australian Submarine Agency and the US Government, submarine builder ASC is helping domestic industry improve its systems, capability and processes to meet US standards and requirements.
Companies from Victoria, NSW and WA have qualified through the program, with dozens more working through the national qualification system.
The expansion of sustainment work into WA is an opportunity for Australian firms to secure long-term, lucrative contracts.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Industries Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “We know over the next decade we will need an additional 4000 workers in the defence industry sector, which is why we are investing so heavily in skills, training and apprenticeships to make sure Western Australians are ready to take up these opportunities.”
Information on opportunities and supply chains can be found online.
