Additive manufacturers across Australia are preparing to compete for opportunities in United States and United Kingdom submarine programs as AUKUS opens new pathways into one of the world’s most advanced defence supply chains.
Adelaide-based advanced manufacturer AML3D is among the first companies participating in the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program’s Additive Manufacturing stream, which helps Australian businesses access future opportunities in nuclear-powered submarine supply chains.
Representatives from the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), ASC and the United States AUKUS Integration and Acquisition (AUKUS I&A) Office recently visited the company’s facility to highlight the growing role Australian additive manufacturing companies could play in future trilateral submarine supply chains.
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 our 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.
During the visit, representatives toured AML3D’s facilities and explored how additive manufacturing could support future submarine programs, as well as the qualification requirements needed to operate within highly regulated defence supply chains. The visit also provided an opportunity to examine how Australian industry can continue to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability while supporting a more integrated trilateral industrial base.
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, 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,’ said Ms Wright.
‘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 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.
As more Australian businesses develop the specialised skills, systems and capabilities required to support conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, Australia continues to build the industrial depth needed to support one of the greatest industrial endeavours in Australian history.
