The Australian Government has awarded 40 grants(Opens in a new tab/window) totalling over $17.3 million to support Australian businesses delivering priority defence capabilities, immediately creating more local jobs and strengthening Australia's defence industry.
The new investment was awarded under the Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) Program, which includes grant funding announced as part of a larger $262 million investment(Opens in a new tab/window) to support industrial uplift and develop Australia's nuclear-powered submarine supply chain.
The Australian Submarine Agency is funding six grants to support innovation across Australia and modernise critical manufacturing areas in support of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine (NPS) program.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership marks a transformative step for the nation's defence capability.
'We are backing Australian businesses and backing Australian workers to deliver the capabilities our Defence Force needs - now and into the future.
'From the west coast to the east coast, the Albanese Government is building a stronger and more resilient defence industry by investing in Australian innovation, skills and manufacturing.
'I look forward to visiting many of these businesses in the years to come and seeing their work up close and in action.'
Among the recipients supporting the AUKUS program are HIFraser in NSW being allocated $1 million in funding to procure capital equipment to manufacture valves to supply defence maritime systems.
Veem in WA has also been allocated $2 million to acquire machining to produce critical NPS components and to purchase a 3D sand printer to print moulds for the casting of critical components for NPS, Ghost Shark and other naval vessels.
Other grant recipients in support of the AUKUS NPS program include Rosebank Engineering, Thornton Tomasetti and Mack Valves Pty Ltd.
The remaining 34 defence grants will boost Australian defence manufacturing and develop the nations' technical skills. The investment builds on the 58 grants announced in May(Opens in a new tab/window) under the $170 million DIDG program.
