Babcock and Truflo Marine have started a pilot programme to strengthen submarine sustainment supply chains between the UK and Australia as part of the tri-nation AUKUS alliance.
The initiative aims to support operational availability and build long-term industrial capacity for Australia, the UK, and the US.
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Under this pilot, selected low-complexity submarine valve components will be produced at Truflo Marine’s Century Engineering facility in Adelaide.
UK-based teams will provide engineering oversight, quality assurance, and validation over the next 18 months.
These steps will enable the parts to be used in the sustainment of the UK Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarine fleet, Babcock stated.
Babcock nuclear, growth and strategic procurement director David Tytherleigh said: “By combining Australian manufacturing with UK engineering assurance, Babcock and Truflo Marine are supporting the development of a resilient and globally connected submarine sustainment ecosystem capable of supporting both current operational demands and future allied capability requirements.”
The initiated, which will be led by Babcock, is designed to demonstrate how qualified Australian suppliers can join a global submarine supply ecosystem, allowing Australian-made components to be considered for future UK Royal Navy sustainment chains in addition to current operational needs.
Recently, Century Engineering became the first Australian company to secure US export contracts through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) programme led by H&B Defence.
Its role is now expanding to include UK submarine sustainment opportunities.
This collaboration supports three key goals for AUKUS, which are increasing allied supply chain capacity, developing local industrial capability, and strengthening a globally connected submarine industrial base shared by the UK, Australia, and the UK.
Truflo Marine managing director Mike Semens Flanagan said: “Through this collaboration with Babcock, we are demonstrating how Truflo Marine’s flow control expertise, combined with our expanding manufacturing capability in Australia, can support a more responsive and resilient submarine sustainment supply chain.
“By aligning proven UK engineering standards with Australian-based production, we are helping to develop in region capability that can support vessels operating from Australia today, while contributing to the long-term industrial strength of the AUKUS enterprise.”
