Omni Executive has partnered with United Kingdom company, Samarkand, to support Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Program under AUKUS.
The partnership combines Omni’s experience in Defence engineering, program management, safety, security and assurance with Samarkand’s experience in the United Kingdom’s Defence Nuclear Program including safeguarding and facilities management, nuclear regulatory compliance and nuclear high-hazard facility governance.
Together, the organisations will support the safe, compliant and sustainable development of Australia’s nuclear submarine capability to meet Australia’s obligations under AUKUS.
“Having personally known and worked with the Samarkand principals for over 15 years, I am confident in their ability and at Omni, we are very glad to be bringing this critical nuclear capability to Australia," CEO of Omni Executive, Steven Thorpe, stated.
Omni will lead client engagement and act as prime contractor, drawing on its national workforce of more than 400 personnel, over 90 per cent of whom hold security clearances, operating from dedicated facilities in Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
This partnership enhances Omni’s established capability across security assurance, delivery and management with critical nuclear experience.
Samarkand contributes Defence Nuclear industry experience, including statutory Licensee-level capability, Nuclear Submarine Charge Engineers, Radiation Protection Advisers and Emergency Planning specialists.
Its personnel hold current nuclear-specific qualifications and remain practicing professionals supporting major naval nuclear programs in the UK. This experience strengthens Australia’s ability to operate within the rigorous safety and regulatory frameworks required under AUKUS.
“The strength of the Omni and Samarkand partnership is that of two companies bringing different, but compatible capabilities. Our companies share the same values, ethos and culture, born of similar beginnings and backgrounds in military service. We look forward to working with Omni to strengthen Australia’s nuclear ambitions," Director of Samarkand, Jim Neal, said.
A core principle of the partnership is strengthening Australian Sovereign Capability within the AUKUS framework. Through Omni, the delivery model prioritises and aligns with the Australian Government’s Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program. Specialist expertise from the UK complements long-term workforce development objectives, ensuring knowledge transfer and sustainable capability growth within Australia.
The partnership will provide integrated support across regulatory compliance and assurance, program and project management, nuclear safety training and workforce development, contributing to the safe, compliant and enduring operation of Australia’s future AUKUS nuclear submarine capability.