HII and Babcock have announced the formation of a new joint venture, H&B Defence, aimed at accelerating the development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capabilities under the AUKUS security partnership, according to a press release from the companies.
The firms say that H&B Defence will leverage expertise from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to support various aspects of Australia’s nuclear submarine pathway.
This includes workforce development, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste management, and future sustainment.
Headquartered in Canberra, H&B Defence will collaborate with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to develop a skilled sovereign nuclear workforce in Australia.
Tim Brown AM, a veteran of the Royal Australian Navy, has been appointed Managing Director of H&B Defence. Brown brings extensive experience in submarine operations and defence strategy, having commanded both Collins class submarines and ANZAC class frigates.
“H&B Defence’s mission is to transform Australia’s submarine industrial landscape to position the nation to operate nuclear submarines,” Brown said in the release. “This joint venture will focus on equipping Australia with the requisite industrial base, supply chains, and workforce required to support and manage all aspects of the nuclear-powered submarine lifecycle.”
Michael Lempke, HII’s President of Nuclear and Environmental Services and HII Australia business lead, will chair the company board, which also includes Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland. Lempke stated, “H&B marks a significant step forward in an enduring partnership. HII is excited to work through H&B Defence to leverage the deep-rooted experience and advanced methodologies from Australia, the UK, and the US to support AUKUS Pillar 1.”
Cridland noted, “The formation of H&B Defence is an exciting day for Babcock Australasia as we continue to build on our existing and long-term partnership with the Australian Government in support of our nation’s defences. H&B Defence brings together Babcock and HII’s collective history in nuclear and the best and brightest minds to support AUKUS Pillar 1.”
The companies state that H&B Defence aims to ensure that Australia is prepared for the Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines and the SSN-AUKUS.