HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division has secured a $56 million US Navy contract for engineering and design work in support of the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. If an available option is exercised, the contract’s total value could rise to $91 million. The work will contribute to SSN-AUKUS, the future nuclear-powered attack submarine that Britain and Australia intend to build for their respective navies. The award also covers assistance to both countries through the US Foreign Military Sales programme.
The planned activities include technology integration, engineering services, supplier development, workforce training and the introduction of digital tools. HII is already involved in other projects related to Australia’s submarine ambitions. These include helping Australian suppliers qualify to participate in the US submarine supply chain and providing nuclear-programme management and technical advisory services.
**Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Roadmap:** AUKUS is designed to deepen defence cooperation among Canberra, London and Washington. Its submarine initiative aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered but conventionally armed submarines. Under the Australian Submarine Agency’s plan, the US intends to sell Australia three Virginia-class submarines beginning in the early 2030s. Canberra could seek approval for as many as two additional boats if necessary, giving Australia an initial capability while SSN-AUKUS is developed.
SSN-AUKUS will be based on a British design and incorporate technology from all three partners. Expected US contributions include propulsion components, weapons and a vertical launch system for missiles. Britain and Australia will build their submarines in domestic shipyards. The UK plans to deliver its first SSN-AUKUS in the late 2030s, followed by Australia’s first locally built submarine in the early 2040s. The vessels are intended for intelligence gathering, surveillance, undersea warfare and strike missions.
