The companies will develop models for nuclear-powered submarine capability, including infrastructure, sustainment and the necessary skills development

Babcock and HII will collaborate to develop models for nuclear-powered submarine capability, including infrastructure, sustainment and the development of the necessary skills, the companies announced at DSEI 2023 last week in London.

The parties will engage the Australian industry to optimise specific solution sets. The move responds to critical capability requirements under the AUKUS nuclear submarine power.

“Working with HII in Australia to support the critical capabilities required to deliver the AUKUS programme is the next important step in our relationship and significantly strengthens our Australasian business.” Said Babcock CEO David Lockwood.

“By harnessing Babcock’s heritage and capabilities to accelerate the development of sovereign capability in Australia, alongside HII’s extensive experience and expertise as America’s largest shipbuilding company, Babcock is strategically positioned to support the Australian Government in the delivery of this critical programme. National security has never been more important and now more than ever, what we do matters.”

Babcock and HII have decades of experience supporting the UK and the USA’s submarine fleets. Currently, Babcock fully sustains UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet while owning and operating the UK’s only licensed facility for the refitting, refuelling, and defuelling of nuclear submarines.

In the meantime, HII has delivered more than 60 nuclear submarines for the US Navy in the last 40 years.