Lockheed Martin Named Preferred Combat System Integration Partner for Australia’s Next-Generation Nuclear Subs
Martin has been selected as the preferred combat system integrator for Australia’s future Virginia Class Submarine fleet. In collaboration with industry partners, the company will provide technology integration, training, and sustainment to deliver effective undersea capabilities to Australia.
A joint development program under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, Australia’s sovereign Virginia Submarines will help ensure a stable, open Indo-Pacific while strengthening the combined industrial capacity and supply chain resilience among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Lockheed Martin will grow and train a local Australian workforce capable of sustaining and upgrading Australia’s Virginia fleet’s combat systems. Through strategic partnerships and the transfer of best practices, Australia will develop a sovereign capability that is fully interoperable with U.S. Navy systems, ensuring seamless support for visiting submarines and future Australian-operated vessels.
In partnership with the Australian Submarine Agency and Australian Submarine Corporation, Lockheed Martin will take a phased-work approach to support forward-deployed submarines, ensuring readiness for Submarine Rotational Force-West ahead of the arrival of Australia’s first Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s.
“We are committed to delivering this vital capability in partnership with the Australian Defense Force and Australian industry,” said Stephanie C. Hill, President of Rotary and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin.
“Drawing on more than 60 years of experience as the U.S. Navy’s submarine combat system integrator, we’re confident that our expertise will enable seamless interoperability between the Australian and U.S. navies, ensuring the SSN fleet is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Indo-Pacific region.”
Devon Rodgers, Vice President of Undersea Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, added, “Our team is proud to stand alongside Australia in creating a locally‑developed capability to operate and maintain its nuclear‑powered submarines. The training we deliver will empower the domestic workforce to keep their fleet mission‑ready and future‑proof.”
Lockheed Martin maintains a 140-person Australian workforce supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyer fleet and the future Hunter-class frigate program. He is extending that capability to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.