AUKUS in Australia is taking another significant step forward with the Federal Government selecting Lockheed Martin Australia as the preferred Combat System Integration Partner for Australia's future fleet of sovereign Virginia-class submarines.
This partnership will provide extensive opportunities for Australian industry and workers and build the breadth of technical skill and knowledge in Australia.
It is expected that an additional 100 jobs will be created at Lockheed Martin Australia in support of the Combat System Integration Partner program, with initial work to be undertaken in Western Australia.
As the 2026 National Defence Strategy(Opens in a new tab/window) affirms, Australia's future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be critical to achieving Defence's strategic objectives, growing our deterrence capability and contributing to security and stability in the region. Australia will acquire its first of three sovereign Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, said that AUKUS is on track and happening now.
"The selection of the preferred Combat System Integration Partner is another significant milestone for Australia's future fleet of Virginia class submarines.
"By making these decisions now, we are ensuring our local industry and naval workforce is equipped with the skills it needs to operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines which will protect our nation and keep Australians safe."
The combat system underpins the potency and lethality of a submarine. The Combat System Integration Partner is pivotal to the effectiveness of Australia's future Virginia-class submarines - including through the implementation and testing of combat systems improvements, and supporting crews in conducting maintenance and repair on the combat system.
This will complement the long-standing submarine combat system Armament Cooperative Programs between the Australian and US Governments to integrate and sustain the combat capability of the submarines.
This will ensure our future combat systems incorporate the latest in technology and maintain advantage in the undersea domain.
The Australian Government will now work closely with Lockheed Martin Australia on developing an initial services contract, with an estimated two-year contract term.
The acquisition of Australia's nuclear conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is the single biggest capability acquisition in our nation's history and will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years.
Australia's Virginia-class conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be sovereign Australian submarines under the command of the Royal Australian Navy at the direction of the Australian Government.
