H&B Defence has welcomed another 12 suppliers from across the country into the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Program, further advancing efforts to align Australian industry with US nuclear shipbuilding standards.
The $9.3 million expansion, funded by the Australian Submarine Agency, introduces two new areas of capability – Air & Gas Flasks and Fabricated Components – building on the program’s initial focus on Castings & Forgings and Precision Machining.
H&B Defence conducted rigorous pre-assessments, including site visits, on nearly 100 prospective businesses to shortlist the most suitable suppliers for the latest AUSSQ intake.
The newly selected companies will now undergo detailed capability and compliance assessments to qualify for participation in the US submarine and aircraft carrier industrial base. These companies include:
- Australian Precision Technologies (VIC)
- Cooper Fluid Systems (SA)
- Hydraulic Controls Pty Ltd (NSW)
- UNEEK Bending Co (VIC)
- Baker & Provan (NSW)
- Frontline Manufacturing Pty Ltd (QLD)
- Griffin Marine Services (WA)
- IKAD Engineering (WA)
- MTE (SA)
- Rockpress (QLD)
- Shadbolt (VIC)
- Williams Metal Fabrication (SA)
By expanding into new technical domains, H&B Defence is strengthening Australia’s ability to deliver components across multiple stages of the US submarine build and sustainment lifecycle.
AUSSQ participants benefit from targeted mentoring, process improvement support, and direct engagement with international customers. Delivered on behalf of the Australian Submarine Agency, the program is designed to qualify Australian businesses to US Navy standards, enabling them to compete for contracts with Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS).
In the past six months, eight Australian companies have been qualified into the NNS supply chain through AUSSQ, with three receiving formal Requests for Quotations for components.
The total investment in the AUSSQ program to date is $19 million.
The increase in scope is the latest in a series of initiatives led by H&B Defence to build a broad, resilient and sovereign supply chain in support of the trilateral AUKUS enterprise. Among these efforts is the recently announced Nuclear Fundamentals Course, to be offered as a university micro-credential in Western Australia – further strengthening Australia’s long-term capability in nuclear-related defence manufacturing.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said:
“AUKUS is delivering real benefits for Australian industry and jobs. This program is helping build a strong, sovereign submarine enterprise that will keep Australia safe for decades to come.”
“This $19 million investment is helping Australian businesses break into global supply chains and contribute to allied industrial capacity. It’s about creating jobs, growing skills, and giving our manufacturers a chance to compete on the world stage.”
H&B Defence Managing Director Tim Brown said:
“The Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Program is Australia’s gateway into the US submarine supply chain. With a national footprint now spanning four capability areas, we’re on track to deliver a balanced, multi‑capability supply chain that supports both sovereign defence needs and Australia’s role as a trusted contributor to allied programs.”
“The new cohort reflects the depth and diversity of Australia’s defence manufacturing sector. By qualifying in these specialised areas, these businesses will not only contribute to the delivery of Virginia‑class submarines but also generate enduring economic and skills benefits here at home.”
Rockpress Business Development Manager Zach McCabe said:
“As an advanced Australian manufacturer, Rockpress is proud to be part of the AUSSQ Program. It provides us with the opportunity to showcase our strong capabilities to a global market while supporting the development of Australia’s sovereign submarine industrial base. Through the pilot program, we hope to build the foundations for long-term partnerships, gain valuable insights into US supply chain requirements, and position ourselves for future opportunities within the global submarine enterprise. For us, AUSSQ is not just about access to new supply chains but about demonstrating that local industry can play a key role in strengthening allied defence capability.”
Hydraulic Controls Pty Ltd Managing Director Lenny Patchett said:
“Hydraulic Controls is an expert in the design and manufacture of complex, high precision fluid power components and systems including manifolds and valves. We have a proud 50-year track record of providing products such as hydraulic integrated circuits that operate faultlessly in harsh and safety critical environments. The opportunity to expand our defence work to include participation in HII’s international supply chain is truly exciting and we look forward to continuing to work with H&B Defence to achieve this goal.”
Australian manufacturers interested in future qualification rounds are encouraged to register their interest via the AUSSQ EOI portal.