Four leading defense contractors signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to collaborate in the battle toolkit development for Australia’s future SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Under the MOU, BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales will form an AUKUS Combat Systems Collaborative Team to design, manufacture and integrate the advanced fighting systems envisioned for the submarines.
The collaboration aims to support Canberra’s long-term defense goals and strengthen Australian sovereign capability under the trilateral AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, BAE Systems said.
What Are the Planned Developments for SSN-AUKUS Combat Systems?
The SSN-AUKUS class will be based on the next-generation U.K. submarine design integrating technology contributions from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The four companies aim to leverage their combined experience of over 150 years in submarine combat systems to deliver a cutting-edge, tri-national command system, while mitigating program and workforce risks and accelerating delivery timelines.
Central to the collaboration is the design of a shared command system for Australia and the United Kingdom, building on General Dynamics’ AN/BYG-1 architecture, which currently equips Australia’s Collins-class submarines and several U.S. Navy submarine classes. This approach is expected to enhance interoperability across AUKUS partners and utilize the existing Australian industrial base and workforce supporting the Royal Australian Navy.
BAE CEO Comments on SSN-AUKUS Weapons Collaboration
Craig Lockhart, CEO of BAE Systems Australia, described the MOU as “another strategic step forward” in developing the fighting capabilities of SSN-AUKUS. “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,” the company’s head added.
BAE Systems earlier secured a $4.8 billion contract in October 2023 to mature the SSN-AUKUS program’s design. The British multinational defense contractor and ASC signed a tasking statement with the Australian Submarine Agency in December last year to develop a build strategy, supply chain management plans and a workforce development policy to support the SSN-AUKUS program.
Besides the nuclear submarine project, BAE Systems Maritime Australia has secured the contract to build RAN’s first three Hunter class frigates, part of Canberra’s plan to invest $7.28 billion over the next 10 years to boost the Australian Navy’s fleet.