Australian additive manufacturers prepare for AUKUS submarine opportunities

Additive manufacturers across Australia are entering into a qualification program for opportunities in the United States and United Kingdom submarine programs under AUKUS.

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) says that Adelaide-based advanced manufacturer AML3D is among the first companies participating in the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program’s Additive Manufacturing stream.

The DIVQ Additive Manufacturing stream is a dedicated element of the broader DIVQ Program, focused on developing and qualifying Australian additive manufacturing capabilities for potential participation in United States and United Kingdom submarine supply chains. The initiative is being delivered by the ASA in partnership with ASC, and United States partners at the AUKUS I&A Office, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and US shipbuilders.

Building on the success of the broader DIVQ Program, the additive manufacturing stream recognises the growing importance of advanced manufacturing technologies in supporting future submarine construction, sustainment and supply chain resilience across the AUKUS partnership.

Participating businesses in the DIVQ Additive Manufacturing stream will undertake a structured pathway of validation, capability development and qualification activities to address gaps and work towards the quality, security and regulatory standards required by submarine programs.

The program also helps suppliers navigate export controls and security requirements, including participation in the AUKUS licence-free environment and the Defence Industry Security Program, while building the capability required to manufacture components to the exacting standards expected by submarine shipbuilders.

First Assistant Director-General Workforce, Industry and Supply Chain at ASA Kylie Wright said additive manufacturing had the potential to create new opportunities for Australian industry as Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine enterprise continues to grow.

“Australian companies are demonstrating world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities, and initiatives such as the DIVQ Additive Manufacturing stream are helping align those capabilities to the future needs of the AUKUS submarine enterprise,” she said. “By working closely with industry and our international partners, we are creating pathways for Australian businesses to participate in trilateral submarine supply chains and contribute to a more resilient and integrated industrial base.”

The ASA says the initiative reflects the close collaboration between the Australian Government, ASC, United States Government partners and industry to accelerate supplier readiness and reduce barriers to market entry for capable manufacturers.

Image: Representatives from the ASA, ASC and the AUKUS I&A Office recently visited Adelaide-based advanced manufacturer AML3D.