Austal and the Australian government have agreed to establish an entity serving as the Commonwealth’s strategic shipbuilder for Tier 2 surface combatants.
“Implementing the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement will not only support the delivery of the Army’s littoral maneuver capability, but it will also contribute to a strong, sovereign industrial base capable of responding to Australia’s evolving needs,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday.
As prime contractor, the new Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia will oversee the production and delivery of the LAND8710 programs, which consist of 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels and eight Landing Craft Heavy ships.
The delivery of the surface vehicles will follow the management framework and common terms laid down by the SSA. According to Defence Australia, the deal establishes a plan for how Austal will deliver established projects.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg noted how the partnership reflects the company’s defense shipbuilding expertise and capabilities to support Canberra’s defense objectives. “Through the SSA, Austal is committed to helping the CoA meet these objectives while establishing Austal Defence Australia as the CoA’s shipbuilder of choice in WA,” he said.
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