The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) has supported $2.9 million in grants to eight local companies to support the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program.
This investment is through the Government Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) Program's latest funding round,(Opens in a new tab/window) with 44 Australian businesses allocated more than $17 million to support Australian businesses deliver priority defence capabilities.
The new funding brings the current total DIDG allocation to more than $51 million, with previous rounds announced in May(Opens in a new tab/window) and July(Opens in a new tab/window) 2025. The DIDG program represents a total investment of $170 million.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said the grants will help expand and modernise Australia's sovereign defence industrial base.
'We're backing Australian businesses, Australian workers and Australian innovation to deliver the capabilities the Australian Defence Force needs.
'These new grants will help local companies scale up, modernise and grow, ensuring our nation has the industrial strength and skills base to meet future challenges.
'Every one of these projects contributes to a stronger, more resilient and sovereign defence industry - creating jobs, driving innovation, and building a future made in Australia.'
ASA Deputy Director General Strategy, Alexandra Kelton, said the funding demonstrates tangible progress in preparing Australian industry for increased submarine production and sustainment activity.
'These eight projects bring the total number of Defence Industry Development Grants funded by the Australian Government in support of the NPS Program to 14, valued at $6.75 million, reflecting our continued focus on readying Australian suppliers to the build and maintenance of our nuclear-powered submarines, and of our AUKUS partners as well.
'This demonstrates the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to building a capable and resilient sovereign submarine supply chain, one of the enduring strengths of the AUKUS partnership.'
Among the recipients supporting the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program are Franmarine in Western Australia, which has been allocated $1 million to commission a mobile underwater sustainment system, and Rosebank Engineering in Victoria, allocated $781,739 to establish a state-of-the-art cold spray additive manufacturing facility.
Other recipients include Cowan Manufacturing in New South Wales; Levett Engineering, Global Welding Technologies Group, and Secure State Consultants in South Australia; and Thrust Maritime, and Jack Thompson Engineering in Victoria.
The ASA also supports Australian industry through initiatives such as the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program and the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot, through a contract with HII Australia.
