US Navy awards $56m contract for AUKUS submarine design work

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has been awarded a $56 million contract by the US Navy for engineering and design work supporting the AUKUS submarine partnership. The contract, through its Newport News Shipbuilding division, focuses on technology insertion, engineering, supply-chain assistance, and digital transformation to support the United Kingdom and Australia. If all options are exercised, the total value could reach $91 million. This work includes designing the SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarine, with the first UK vessel expected in the late 2030s and the first Australian vessel in the early 2040s.

In a separate development regarding submarine sustainment, ASC and Australian specialist HIFraser have entered a new six-year contract valued at nearly $40 million. This agreement extends a partnership lasting over 40 years to support the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarine fleet. HIFraser will provide high- and low-pressure valves and on-board maintenance services. HIFraser is also qualified to supply specialized components for the US Navy’s Virginia-class submarines through the Australian Submarine Agency’s vendor qualification program.