Australian companies are continuing to qualify for participation in AUKUS nuclear‑powered submarine supply chains, with a growing number of manufacturers successfully meeting stringent standards under the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program.
In recent months, Western Australian manufacturers VEEM and Camco, Victorian firm Mackay Australia, and Bale Defence from Port Macquarie, New South Wales, have joined HIFraser in attaining DIVQ qualification.
DIVQ is a key initiative of Australia's AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy , accelerating the qualification of Australian products into US and UK submarine supply chains and supporting high-value, long-term industrial opportunities for Australian workers.
This latest milestone means the companies are now eligible to compete for contracts to supply a range of components for the nuclear‑powered Virginia-class fleet through two of the largest shipbuilders in the US submarine enterprise, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.
Delivered by the Sovereign Submarine Partner ASC, the DIVQ program provides hands-on technical support to help local manufacturers understand and meet demanding submarine-grade specifications that have historically been difficult to access.
ASC is continuing work to assess and certify Australian companies capable of supplying components such as mechanical assemblies, valves, pipe fittings, machined parts, electrical systems, and castings and forgings.
More than 60 Australian businesses from across the country are currently progressing through the national gateway program, designed to help local industry compete for work supporting the build of the US Navy's Virginia-class submarines.
First Assistant Director-General Workforce, Industry and Supply Chain, Kylie Wright said 'These latest qualifications are another clear example of how Australian industry is stepping up to meet the complex standards required to support AUKUS submarine programs'.
It also highlights the close cooperation between Australian industry, the ASA, ASC and US partners throughout the evaluation and qualification process.
'DIVQ is opening doors for capable local manufacturers to access global supply chains that were once out of reach. This achievement reflects the strength, skill and dedication of Australian workers and the value they bring to our trilateral partners' said Wright.
These qualifications demonstrate how AUKUS partners are deepening collaboration to deliver a more resilient, integrated, and capable trilateral submarine industrial base to meet our shared security challenges.
As more Australian companies progress through DIVQ, Australia continues to build the industrial depth required to support one of the greatest industrial endeavours in Australian history.
