Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a multi-year $29.3 million contract with the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) to create the sovereign combat systems integration (CSI) capability in support of Australia’s future Virginia class submarines under AUKUS.
Lockheed Martin is the designated Virginia Class Submarine Combat System Integration Strategic Partner.
ASA, Head of Virginia, Rear Admiral David Mann, said the agreement marks an important step in building the sovereign capability Australia needs to support its future Virginia-class submarines.
"Combat system integration is critical to the capability and effectiveness of our future submarine fleet," RADM Mann indicated.
"Together, we are building the expertise needed to support and sustain this nationally significant capability for decades to come."
Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will work hand‑in‑hand with the ASA and its strategic sustainment partner to establish a long‑term SSN CSI capability and workforce to support Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine fleet.
The initiative will develop the infrastructure, technical skills, training programs, technology transfer processes, industrial partnerships, and workforce needed to update, upgrade, and support the maintenance of the combat systems of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
“I acknowledge and thank the Australian Submarine Agency on achieving this important milestone," Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Jeremy King, affirmed.
“Combat systems integration is fundamental to delivering a highly advanced, secure and operationally dominant submarine fleet.”
The Australian team will initially be supported by Lockheed Martin Virginia-class submarine subject matter experts (SMEs) from the US, to rapidly train staff, build skills and accelerate capability development.
The SMEs will shadow local engineers, imparting deep technical know‑how and the know‑why that underpins high complexity sub-surface systems, ensuring Australia can establish, enhance, and maintain a sovereign CSI and sustainment capability over the life of the nuclear‑powered submarine fleet.
“Lockheed Martin Australia brings decades of combat systems integration expertise to this partnership, and we are deeply honoured to support the Australian Submarine Agency. This national endeavour builds the workforce and sovereign capability that will underpin Australia’s future submarine enterprise," King said.
Together with the ASA, Lockheed Martin will conduct a comprehensive market analysis of Australia’s supply chain needs for the Virginia-class combat system. This analysis will identify opportunities for existing and new Australian suppliers to contribute to the global Virginia-class supply chain, further embedding Australian Defence Industry within this platform.
“Building Australia’s sovereign combat system integration capability is vital to our future submarine enterprise. This partnership will strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly with allies and deepen the Australia-US industrial base collaboration while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific," King highlighted.