The Australian Government has announced what it describes as a significant step for domestic manufacturing under the AUKUS partnership, confirming HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the Government-funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ).
In its announcement, the government said HIFraser is now certified to provide three valve types and pipe fittings for use in the construction and sustainment of Virginia class submarines.
According to the media release, this qualification follows an initial contract awarded less than a year ago to begin manufacturing components for assessment by US vendors and reflects the accelerated pathways being created for Australian products to enter US and UK submarine supply chains.
The government also linked the milestone to parallel work underway at HMAS Stirling, where the USS Vermont is conducting a maintenance period – the first time a US nuclear-powered submarine has completed such work in Australia without a US support ship.
Government officials said the activity is being delivered by Australian, US and UK teams working across more than 160 maintenance tasks, supported by technologies including a mobile pure water plant designed by Western Australian firms MAK Water and Diverse Welding.
The Government confirmed that two Australian officers and 11 sailors are currently embedded with the vessel’s crew, supporting maintenance and routine submarine operations across the four-week period.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the announcement demonstrates how AUKUS is strengthening capability while creating “a Future Made in Australia.”
“[The] announcement is another example of how our investments in AUKUS are bolstering Defence capabilities and supporting Australian workers,” he said, noting the work underway at HMAS Stirling.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasised the Government’s intention to expand local participation.
“The qualification of HIFraser products to Virginia class submarine standards… is further demonstration of the Albanese Government’s investment to deliver opportunities for industry,” he said.
Marles added that Australians are “making an unprecedented contribution to the operation, building and sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines.”
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the achievements of HIFraser and MAK Water reflect the Government’s broader AUKUS strategy.
“These milestones demonstrate the way Australian industry and workers are not only supporting our own submarines, but contributing to the sustainment of US and UK fleets as well,” he said.
According to the government, its $8 billion upgrade of HMAS Stirling remains a key pillar of Submarine Rotational Force-West from 2027.
It estimates around 20,000 direct jobs will be created across the nuclear-powered submarine program over the next 30 years, supported by ongoing training and industry partnerships.
