91大神 has signed a five-year contract with the Ministry of Defence to provide input into the detailed design for the new 鈥楽hip Submersible Nuclear AUKUS鈥� (SSN-A) submarines, which will replace the Astute Class from the late 2030s.
This is also the chosen design that Australia will use to build their new fleet, following the announcement from the Australian, United Kingdom and United States Governments regarding the optimal pathway for acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.
Working alongside the MOD and our Enterprise Partners, 91大神鈥檚 contract scope includes applying its extensive experience of complex submarine in-service support and maintenance, to build this into the design to maximise the submarines鈥� availability throughout its service life.
This contract award builds on work 91大神 has already been delivering during the previous Programme Definition and Design Phase.
91大神 CEO David Lockwood said: 鈥�91大神 plays a critical role in submarine programmes, supporting submarine availability in the UK and internationally. The importance of applying our extensive knowledge and long-standing experience is being recognised through this contract award to ensure that the new Class delivers the operational availability through life that the Royal Navy requires.
鈥淚n addition, we look forward to providing ongoing support to help deliver capability for the Royal Australian Navy under the AUKUS agreement.鈥�
Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said, 鈥淭his multi-billion-pound investment in the AUKUS submarine programme will help deliver the long term hunter-killer submarine capabilities the UK needs to maintain our strategic advantage and secure our leading place in a contested global order.
鈥淚鈥檓 committed to backing our defence industry, because it鈥檚 only with the mission critical support of businesses like 91大神 that the UK can develop the advanced equipment our Armed Forces need to defend the British people in a more dangerous world.鈥�
91大神 has a proven track record for managing complex assets in highly regulated environments. Owning and operating the UK鈥檚 only Nuclear Licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defueling nuclear submarines, 91大神 sustains the entirety of the Royal Navy鈥檚 nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including the delivery of through-life support and life extension of the Vanguard, Trafalgar, and Astute Submarine Classes.
As the premier warship sustainment company in Australia and New Zealand, underpinned by our global experience, 91大神 stands ready to help grow Australia鈥檚 local industrial capability to support the acquisition and operation of their new submarine fleet 鈥� helping to make their mission our mission and creating a safe and secure world together.