BAE Systems Australia says it is working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support them in proving or uplifting their capability to work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Through what are known as ‘Targeted Tasks’, which aim to maximise Australian Industry Capability, selected Australian SMEs are provided with a specific scope of work to undertake, which comes in the form of either feasibility studies, the demonstration of capability, or uplifting their capability to meet the requirements of the Hunter program.
These tasks enable outcomes such as knowledge transfer to Australian Industry; the creation of Intellectual Property; design, manufacture and assembly within Australia.
BAE Systems Australia is working with SMEs across Australia – both in metro and regional areas – including VEEM (Western Australia) in collaboration with Kongsberg UK; Taylor Brothers (Tasmania); CR Mining (Queensland); Thornton Tomasetti (based in Victoria and Western Australia) working with Vipac (Victoria) and Austest (New South Wales); MyModular (South Australia); and Indigenous owned and operated company Allweld Manufacturing (Queensland).
These Targeted Tasks cover work scope from large scale metal casting and machining, validating in-country shock testing, inclusive manufacturing for non-typical persons, design and manufacture of stowage and outfit items, manufacture and testing of insulated panels, and supporting membership in the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and compliance with Lloyd’s Register.
To date, fourteen (14) Australian companies have been engaged with on Targeted Tasks, with more than $4 million injected into Australian industry. A further $1.5 million is planned for Australian Industry Capability development before the end of 2023.
Head of Supply Chain for BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Acquisition, Scott Robertson, said “We are reducing the entry barrier for Australian companies to supply into the Hunter Class Frigate Program – this is a truly national endeavour, and the benefits will flow through to companies of all sizes. By partnering with small and medium enterprises right across Australia, we are uplifting the industrial capability of our entire country. The Hunter class frigates – being built here in Australia, by Australians – are providing jobs both directly and indirectly; from the heart of the build at Osborne Naval Shipyard, to our extensive supply chain we are always looking to maximise and grow.”
Allweld Manufacturing Director, Josh Linwood, said “Allweld Manufacturing are a proud Indigenous and regional business, and our team are very excited to be working with BAE Systems Australia to be part of their supply chain on the Hunter program. With BAE Systems Australia’s support Allweld’s capabilities and knowledge will be uplifted allowing our business to grow in the defence sector.”
