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Lockheed Martin has been selected as the preferred combat system integrator for Australia’s future Virginia Class Submarine fleet, working with industry partners to deliver technology integration, training and sustainment for undersea capabilities.
As part of a joint development program under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, Australia’s sovereign Virginia Submarines are intended to help ensure a stable, open Indo-Pacific while strengthening combined industrial capacity and supply chain resilience across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The company plans to grow and train a local Australian workforce to sustain and upgrade the fleet’s combat systems. Through strategic partnerships and the transfer of best practices, Australia is expected to develop a sovereign capability fully interoperable with U.S. Navy systems, enabling seamless support for visiting submarines and future Australian-operated vessels.
In partnership with the Australian Submarine Agency and Australian Submarine Corporation, a phased-work approach will support forward-deployed submarines and ensure 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 Defence Force and Australian industry,” said Stephanie C. Hill, President 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 future Hunter‑class frigate program and is extending that capability to Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarines.
