• The prototyping phase of the program is said to be on track.
BAE Systems Australia
    The prototyping phase of the program is said to be on track. BAE Systems Australia
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ASC Shipbuilding has signed a contract with Indigenous Australian company, TQCSI-Yaran, to commence work during the prototyping phase of the Hunter class frigate program.

TQCSI Yaran is a majority indigenous-owned and operated business partnered with the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC). The iDiC has capability in various direct and indirect procurement services to support large defence and infrastructure projects.

The Adelaide-based company will audit and undertake quality, safety, health and environmental systems certification.

Minster for Defence Linda Reynolds said the prototyping phase is on track to begin next month.

“Prototyping is an essential phase in the building of any complex warship. This will ensure that ASC Shipbuilding’s workforce are thoroughly trained in using the state of the art digital equipment in one of the world’s most advanced shipyards at Osborne in Adelaide,” Minister Reynolds said. “This first phase is vital to the overall program, which will provide Navy with a regionally superior anti-submarine warfare capability it needs in the future.

“I am proud that BAE Systems Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and strategic relationship with the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium is opening up new opportunities for Indigenous businesses to win work and be an important part of the Hunter Class program.

“Indigenous businesses who are contributing to Defence programs are not only a key part of the Australian economy, but are also providing jobs and supporting the community they represent.”

“The work that Adelaide-based TQCSI-Yaran will undertake is an important step for prototyping activities and provides practical training opportunities for Australian workers,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said. “During prototyping, the processes, systems, tools, facilities and workforce competencies will be extensively tested and refined before construction starts on the first Hunter class frigate.

“I look forward to seeing more Indigenous businesses being contracted to support the National Naval Shipbuilding Program.”

ASC Shipbuilding, the prime contractor for the Hunter class, is a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia who have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan and a Strategic Relationship Agreement with the iDiC.

Keep an eye out for ADM’s Top 40 Defence Contractors survey in the new year as we are collating more information on RAPs and other key company performance metrics.

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