Industry briefings chart clear course for Australia’s submarine future
Last updated: 13 Apr 2026
By ASA Media
The AUKUS SRF-West Sustainment Industry Seminar in Perth focused on immediate and long‑term sustainment opportunities under AUKUS. Delegates examined how Australian businesses can support emerging sustainment needs at HMAS
Stirling and prepare for the establishment of SRF‑W.
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1 of 3Australia’s submarine enterprise has completed one of its most significant periods of industry engagement, following a series of inaugural national events that brought together federal and state government leaders, international partners, defence primes and hundreds of Australian suppliers to prepare for the demands of the AUKUS submarine program.
Across March, the sector saw unprecedented participation in two major gatherings: the AUKUS SRF-West Sustainment Industry Seminar in Perth and the AUKUS National Supply Chain Conference in Adelaide.
Together, these first-of-kind events delivered the most detailed briefings to date on sustainment requirements, supply chain pathways and the industrial capabilities needed to support Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF‑W) and the construction of SSN‑AUKUS.
More than 230 representatives participated in the national conference in Adelaide, where ASA, ASC and BAE Systems outlined the early phases of Australia’s long‑term submarine construction program.
The UK Submarine Delivery Agency also contributed, providing updates on the UK’s parallel program and highlighting opportunities for Australian industry to support both nations’ future production pipelines.
Held a week earlier, the Perth forum focused on immediate and long‑term sustainment opportunities under AUKUS and brought together senior representatives from Australian and UK Governments, UK industry, the Western Australian Government and local suppliers. Delegates examined how Australian businesses can support emerging sustainment needs at HMAS Stirling and prepare for the establishment of SRF‑W.
ASA Head of Workforce, Industry and Supply Chain, Kate van Hilst, said the events were invaluable in building understanding of the once‑in‑a‑generation opportunities the nuclear‑powered submarine enterprise offers Australian industry.
‘These events gave industry the clearest picture yet of the scale and sophistication of the work ahead, and what it truly means to support nuclear‑powered submarines to UK and U.S. Navy standards,’ said van Hilst.