Four major Defence companies have proposed the establishment of an AUKUS Combat Systems Collaborative Team in contemplation of a potential role for Australia’s SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today.
BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales propose to lead the design and lay the foundations for manufacture and integration of combat systems for SSN-AUKUS under agreements to be negotiated with the Commonwealth of Australia and United Kingdom Government.
SSN-AUKUS will be based on the UK’s next-generation design and incorporate technology from all three nations.
The collaboration draws on the collective experience in the design, integration, and delivery from major industry players across three nations, an expertise that is "intended to meet the demands of delivering a cutting-edge combat system for SSN-AUKUS in a way that reduces both programmatic and workforce risks across the program whilst accelerating speed to capability."
Under the MOU, the parties have agreed to work collaboratively to build and protect Australian sovereignty by designing a tri-national Command System as a shared solution for Australia and the UK which builds on General Dynamics’ existing AN/BYG-1 system and leverages the existing industrial base and workforce supporting the RAN.
AN/BYG-1 is an open-architecture submarine combat control system which integrates tactical control, payload and weapons control and information assurance. The system is installed on Australia’s Collins class submarines, as well as the U.S. Navy's Virginia, Los Angeles, Ohio, Columbia, and Seawolf-class submarines.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is another strategic step forward to developing the most effective and advanced combat system for SSN-AUKUS, simultaneously strengthening Australia’s operational sovereignty and industrial capability," Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, said.
“By aligning with our industry and trilateral partners, this signing will accelerate and enhance combat system development that is interoperable by design, reaffirming our role as a trusted partner to the Commonwealth of Australia and Royal Australian Navy.”
“As Australia’s sovereign submarine combat system partner, Raytheon Australia and our workforce bring more than 25 years of expertise in design, integration and sustainment, including upgrades and updates, of the Collins Class submarine combat system to this team, establishing the base for a truly sovereign capability ready to deliver the RAN’s most ambitious naval program," Ohad Katz, Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, said.
“As the RAN moves to a multi-class submarine fleet, leveraging the existing workforce, with proven processes that sustain Collins will ensure continuity, confidence, and low-risk delivery.”
“We are excited to formalise a collaborative path forward as we work together to strengthen critical defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region," Laura Hooks, vice president and general manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems, at General Dynamics Mission Systems, said.
“The MOU acknowledges that the team successfully delivering submarine combat system capability to the three nations via separate efforts today should be entrusted to sustain and integrate combat systems aboard Virginia and AUKUS submarines in the future, ensuring continuity, confidence, and low-risk delivery. It sets a standard of teamwork that will allow us to more efficiently explore future business opportunities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.”
“Success on international programmes such as AUKUS requires strong international partners in order to deliver maximum customer value and sustained capability. Thales is pleased to continue its long-term Combat Systems relationships with BAES and Raytheon Australia and look forward to also working with a new partner in General Dynamics, Mission Systems. Together, we will deliver a hugely capable and sustainable AUKUS Combat System maximising the attributes of our companies across the AUKUS countries," Steven Lockley, Chief Operating Officer of Underwater Systems, Defence Mission Systems, Thales UK said.