The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), ASC and BAE Systems have signed the first in a series of Tasking Statements that will support the build and delivery of the Royal Australian Navy's future SSN-AUKUS fleet.
"The Tasking Statement is an important step in establishing a sovereign nuclear submarine build capability in Australia. The program is anticipated to generate thousands of highly skilled jobs over its lifetime," said ASC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Stuart Whiley.
The Tasking Statement was agreed to alongside annual AUKMIN meetings in London. It enables the ASA, BAE Systems Australia Submarines Pty Ltd and ASC SSN-AUKUS Pty to cooperate in the development of detailed plans, schedules and workforce initiatives for the Australian build program of the SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine.
"Focused on stealth and endurance, the SSN AUKUS submarine will integrate cutting edge technologies and advanced materials to enable it to operate the full spectrum of underwater missions, from advanced intelligence and surveillance through to underwater warfare," said the Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, Craig Lockhart.
“It is a complex build challenge that industry partners are coming together to deliver. Work is underway on defining the delivery schedule, the enablement environment for future information transfer between the UK, US, and Australia, as well as design of the new yard at Osborne to accommodate the build.”
In November, the ASA, BAE Systems and ASC signed an AUKUS Mobilisation Deed, which provides a framework to contract with the Australian Government through the ASA.