Lockheed Martin has been selected as the preferred combat system integration partner for Australia’s future Virginia-class submarine fleet, marking a major step forward in defense cooperation under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will work alongside Australian industry and government partners to provide combat system integration, training, and sustainment capabilities for Australia’s next generation of nuclear-powered submarines. The initiative is aimed at strengthening regional security and enhancing allied undersea defense capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s future Virginia-class submarines are expected to improve operational interoperability with the United States Navy while helping expand sovereign defense capabilities within Australia. The project also seeks to reinforce industrial resilience and long-term supply chain cooperation among the three AUKUS partner nations.
Lockheed Martin said it will focus heavily on developing and training a skilled Australian workforce capable of supporting and maintaining the submarine fleet domestically. Through technology transfer programs and strategic collaboration with local partners, the company aims to establish sustainable in-country expertise for future upgrades, operational support, and combat system maintenance.
The company will collaborate with the Australian Submarine Agency and the Australian Submarine Corporation through a phased implementation strategy designed to prepare for the arrival of Australia’s first Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s. The work will also support readiness activities associated with Submarine Rotational Force-West, which is expected to increase allied submarine presence in the region.
Stephanie C Hill, President of Rotary and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, stated that the company is committed to supporting the Australian Defence Force and domestic industry in delivering advanced undersea capabilities. She emphasized that Lockheed Martin’s decades of experience as the US Navy’s submarine combat system integrator would help ensure seamless interoperability between Australian and American naval operations.
Devon Rodgers, Vice President of Undersea Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, said the partnership would assist Australia in developing a sovereign capability to operate and maintain nuclear-powered submarines while preparing a highly skilled domestic workforce for long-term fleet support.
Lockheed Martin currently employs approximately 140 personnel in Australia supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigate program. The company said the submarine initiative represents a significant expansion of its Australian defense and maritime capabilities.
