Australian additive manufacturers are undertaking a qualification program designed to prepare them for potential participation in United States and United Kingdom submarine supply chains under AUKUS, according to the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA).
According to the ASA, Adelaide-based advanced manufacturer AML3D is among the first businesses participating in the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program’s Additive Manufacturing stream, which is designed to help Australian companies work towards the standards required for future nuclear-powered submarine supply chains.
The ASA said representatives from the agency, ASC and the United States AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office recently visited AML3D’s facility to discuss how additive manufacturing could support future submarine programs and to examine the qualification requirements for operating within highly regulated defence supply chains.
The DIVQ Additive Manufacturing stream is a dedicated element of the broader DIVQ Program and is being delivered by the ASA in partnership with ASC and United States partners, including the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and US shipbuilders.
According to the ASA, participating companies will undertake a structured program of validation, capability development and qualification activities aimed at meeting the quality, security and regulatory requirements of submarine programs.
The agency said the initiative also supports suppliers in navigating export controls, security requirements, participation in the AUKUS licence-free environment and the Defence Industry Security Program.
ASA First Assistant Director-General Workforce, Industry and Supply Chain Kylie Wright said the initiative was intended to help align Australian manufacturing capability with the future needs of the AUKUS submarine enterprise.
“Australian companies are demonstrating world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities, and initiatives such as the DIVQ Additive Manufacturing stream are helping align those capabilities to the future needs of the AUKUS submarine enterprise,” Wright said.
She said collaboration between industry and international partners was creating pathways for Australian businesses to participate in trilateral submarine supply chains.
“By working closely with industry and our international partners, we are creating pathways for Australian businesses to participate in trilateral submarine supply chains and contribute to a more resilient and integrated industrial base,” Wright said.
The ASA said the initiative reflects collaboration between the Australian Government, ASC, United States Government partners and industry to improve supplier readiness and reduce barriers for Australian manufacturers seeking opportunities within future AUKUS submarine programs.
