ASC Shipbuilding Investigates Potential for Three More Australian Companies

ASC Shipbuilding, a BAE Systems Australia business, has placed three new feasibility studies with Craig International Ballistics, REDARC Defence Systems and Veem to determine their potential to join the supply chain for the first batch of HUNTER-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.

Craig International Ballistics will investigate whether it can provide an Australian solution for ship bridge windows and armour protection; REDARC Defence Systems will explore if it can provide an Australian solution to LED lighting throughout the vessels; and Veem will study security requirements for local propeller manufacture in Australia. The studies form part of ASC’s strategy for maximising Australian industry involvement in the HUNTER-class programme and beyond.

ASC Shipbuilding Managing Director Craig Lockhart commented “With a 30-year life-span, the building of nine submarine-hunting warships provides an enormous opportunity for the nation to advance our sovereign shipbuilding capability and create long-term prospects for Australian industry […] I have absolute confidence in Australian industry to bring ingenuity and innovation to the HUNTER programme, while at the same time providing valuable employment opportunities in the nation’s advanced manufacturing sector at a time when we’ve never needed it more.”

“VEEM operates the most advanced commercial propeller manufacturing facility in the world and being considered for the manufacture of the new anti-submarine warfare frigates is an exciting proposition. BAE Systems has a long history in defence in Australia and have shown over that time, their commitment to supporting Australian Industry Content across a broad range of programmes,” added Veem Managing Director Mark Miocevich.

REDARC Defence Systems General Manager Sales, Mike Hartas, explained that the company would “explore how we as a local designer and manufacturer of advanced electronics systems can contribute to the first batch of ships and look at how this could flow down across our local supply chain […] The outcome of this study which, although [it] does not guarantee work, does ensure we are able to present to the programme and the government the value that we can contribute to the National Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan.”

For Craig International Ballistics, CEO James Craig observed that “Craig International Ballistics is a Gold Coast manufacturer that produces advanced ballistic protection systems […] As a provider of ballistic protection to many Australian Defence Force assets, we welcome the opportunity to showcase our Australian Industry Capability for the HUNTER-class Frigate Programme.”