Babcock, Naval Group strike subs deal
Naval Group has awarded a fourth major subcontract for its $50 billion Future Submarines program, with global engineering group Babcock set to deliver the vessel’s weapon discharge system.
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Global engineering group Babcock has won a major contract as part of the $50 billion Future Submarine project.
The company will deliver the weapon discharge system (WDS), responsible for launching weaponry on the Attack Class submarines, after striking a deal with prime contractor Naval Group.
Australian engineers have already commenced secondments to Bristol, in the UK, where the preliminary design phase of the WDS will kick off.
On their return the engineers will form part of an Engineering Design Authority, tasked with overseeing the manufacture, assembly, testing and support of the WDS in Australia.
Naval Group Australia chief executive John Davis said his company had worked closely with Babcock to develop an Australian Industry Capability Plan that maximised opportunities for Australian industry.
“Babcock’s investment in local infrastructure and intellectual capital will be critical to the success of the program and will ensure we create and sustain a sovereign submarine capability now and into the future,” he said.
Babcock manufactured the WDS for the Collins Class submarines in Australia, and has provided engineering and through-life support at the Osborne shipyard and at Henderson in WA.
The company will manage the involvement of local suppliers in the manufacture of key components for the WDS, and will launch a new expressions of interest campaign early next year.
The build and sustainment of the WDS is expected to create around 170 jobs in Australia.
Meanwhile, global aerospace and defence technology group L3Harris is expanding its SA footprint with a new operational hub at Technology Park in Mawson Lakes.
The company’s MAPPS business, which specialises in marine control systems and simulation products, is looking to recruit 20 additional skilled workers to manage the delivery and integration of L3Harris systems into the new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and other future projects.
L3Harris is working with prime contractor Luerssen to integrate its Integrated Platform Management System into the new Arafura-class OPVs.
L3Harris Maritime International president Rangesh Kasturi said the new hub would allow the company to collaborate more closely with lead designers and support Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding program.
“With South Australia positioned as a growing and thriving hub for defence business, it was an excellent opportunity for L3Harris, as we grow our Australian footprint and expand our presence in the maritime domain in the region,” he said.
“We’re already working on the SEA 1180 (OPV) program, as well as a number of other Australian naval programs, so establishing a base here in Adelaide makes sense to enable us to effectively support current and future naval platforms.”
Premier Steven Marshall said L3Harris’ decision was “another vote of confidence” in the state’s burgeoning defence sector.
“We are continually working with national and international defence companies, to bring jobs to South Australia,” he said.
“The massive pipeline of defence work presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people in our state, creating thousands upon thousands of jobs for decades to come.”