Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Marles visited Australian Safety Engineers Pty Ltd in Canning Vale, following the opening of the WA Submarine Discovery Centre , highlighting how AUKUS is creating opportunities for Australian industry and workers while enhancing Australia's defence capability.
The company's locally designed and manufactured High-Pressure Air Compressor (HPAC) played an important role in the successful maintenance period for the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling.
The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarine, HMS Anson, arrived at HMAS Stirling in February for a scheduled maintenance period - the first maintenance activity conducted on a UK submarine in Australia under the AUKUS agreement.
Working with Australia's Submarine Sustainment Partner, ASC Pty Ltd, Australian Safety Engineers Pty Ltd deployed their mobile HPAC plant for the first time to deliver pier-side services at Diamantina Pier, HMAS Stirling.
Engineered to meet stringent UK and US requirements, the HPAC plant is designed to support essential submarine systems. Compressed air underpins a wide range of submarine functions, both during maintenance and extended operations at sea.
The HPAC plant also supported the charging of Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus cylinders, enabling crews to respond to incidents and maintain safe submarine operations.
Australian Safety Engineers Pty Ltd was just one example of the broader support provided by local industry during HMS Anson's visit to Western Australia.
In total, 17 Australian companies contributed to the maintenance period, delivering services ranging from fabrication and hydraulic hose supply to non-destructive testing, scaffolding, HVAC, pure water delivery, and specialist mechanical support.
Thirty-four locally manufactured components were produced to support the maintenance period, including items specifically designed for HMS Anson. Several of these components are now installed on the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered submarine.
This achievement represents Australia's most significant contribution to nuclear-powered submarine sustainment since the launch of the Optimal Pathway three years ago and highlights the growing role of Australian industry in delivering AUKUS.
The HMS Anson maintenance period showcased contributions from across the AUKUS partnership. Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Marles visited QinetiQ in the United Kingdom, where he saw firsthand the additive manufacturing technology that was also deployed in Western Australia to support the maintenance activities of HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling.
Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency, said the maintenance period demonstrated the growing depth of Australian capability and the practical impact of trilateral collaboration under AUKUS.
"The visit by HMS Anson clearly showed that Australia is on track to host Submarine Rotational Force - West from 2027, as we build our skills and experience in supporting and maintaining conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling," Vice Admiral Mead said.
"This maintenance period once again demonstrated the power of an integrated trilateral workforce and industry base. By combining our expertise, resources and technological strengths, we are achieving progress faster than any one nation could deliver on its own."
In total, the maintenance period included approximately 2,500 hours of Australian industry effort and around 620 hours of trilateral uniformed work, including Royal Australian Navy diving support.
This work has further strengthened Australia's ability to conduct routine and scheduled maintenance on UK and US nuclear-powered submarines, as preparations continue for the commencement of Submarine Rotational Force - West next year.
With each submarine maintenance activity under AUKUS, Australia is building the workforce, industrial capability and operational experience required for our nuclear-powered submarine future.
