The Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and BAE Systems have unveiled a new Industry Capability Network (ICN) Portal, designed to enhance the participation of local industries in Australia’s significant nuclear-powered submarine program. This initiative aims to open up avenues for smaller enterprises and local companies to become integral players in one of the country’s largest defense manufacturing endeavors.
Launched at the Indo Pacific 2025 exhibition held in Sydney, the ICN portal consolidates the supplier information that was previously managed by the Australian Submarine Agency. The oversight of this platform now rests with both ASC and BAE Systems. Acting as a comprehensive gateway, the portal allows Australian businesses to express their interest, demonstrate their technical capabilities, and qualify for various roles within the AUKUS submarine undertaking.
This new platform not only ensures continuity for the hundreds of companies already registered in the system but also seeks to establish new opportunities for additional businesses aiming to enter the program. BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Craig Lockhart emphasized that the portal instills confidence in local companies, encouraging them to invest in the necessary skills, standards, and innovations to thrive within the global submarine supply chains.
The introduction of the ICN portal is set against the backdrop of significant advancements in Australia’s long-term submarine initiative, which is part of the AUKUS security partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. It has been confirmed that the construction of the first SSN-AUKUS submarines is scheduled to commence at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide by the early 2030s. Preliminary design work is already in progress, with collaboration among ASC, BAE Systems, and the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency.
In parallel, Australian engineers are receiving training to assist in the transfer of design expertise and to adopt nuclear stewardship practices. Additionally, the Royal Australian Navy is preparing to acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the United States in the early 2030s to ensure operational capability until the first SSN-AUKUS submarines are ready for service.
In terms of workforce development, the Australian government has amplified its investments, dedicating nearly six billion Australian dollars (approximately $3.9 billion) toward creating skilled jobs in the defense industry over the next decade. This newly developed industry portal is designed to effectively funnel this workforce into the supply chains necessary for the future nuclear-powered fleet, a central element of Australia’s evolving defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
