Team signs SSN-AUKUS combat system MoU

Four US and UK Defence prime contractors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of an AUKUS Combat Systems Collaborative Team, positioning themselves for a potential role in Australia’s future SSN-AUKUS submarines.

British company BAE Systems, US firms Raytheon and General Dynamics Mission Systems and sonar manufacturer Thales UK have proposed to lead the design and lay the foundations for manufacture and integration of combat systems for the SSN-AUKUS boats under agreements to be negotiated with the Commonwealth of Australia and United Kingdom Government.

Under the MOU, the parties have agreed to work collaboratively to build and protect Australian sovereignty by designing a tri-national Command System as a shared solution for Australia and the UK which builds on the existing AN/BYG-1 system, for which General Dynamics is the prime contractor, and leverages the existing industrial base and workforce supporting the RAN.

AN/BYG-1 is an open-architecture submarine combat control system which integrates tactical control, payload and weapons control and information assurance. Variants of the system are installed on Australia’s Collins class submarines, as well as the US Navy’s Virginia, Los Angeles, Ohio, Columbia, and Seawolf-class submarines.

The SSN-AUKUS will be based on the UK’s next-generation design and incorporate technology from all three nations. The combination of technology from all three AUKUS members, the UK, USA and Australia, is intended to deliver a world-class submarine that meets Australia’s long-term defence requirements, the four companies say.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the design and manufacture of the Royal Navy’s UK submarine fleet and will produce the design of the SSN-AUKUS submarines and build the UK’s SSN-AUKUS submarines in Barrow, UK.  BAE Systems Australia Submarines, alongside ASC Pty Ltd, has been selected to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines in Adelaide based on that UK SSN-AUKUS design.

Thales UK has been appointed as the Main Sonar Design Authority and Integrator, and Sonar Contracting Authority (MSDA&I and SCA) for the UK SSN Programme by BAE Systems UK as the Combat Systems Integrator (CSI).

Raytheon Australia is the combat system manager and integrator for the RAN Collins-class Submarines and a key partner in the joint US/Australian AN/BYG-1 Submarine Combat Control System. General Dynamics Mission Systems is the prime contractor for the US Navy’s AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System, Common Weapon Launcher (CWL), and Torpedo Guidance and Control Subsystems.

“As the RAN moves to a multi-class submarine fleet, leveraging the existing workforce, with proven processes that sustain Collins will ensure continuity, confidence, and low-risk delivery,” said Ohad Katz, managing director of Raytheon Australia.

The team says it intends to optimise Australian involvement in Combat System design and delivery, while facilitating skills, technology, and knowledge transfer across the AUKUS nations to strengthen Australian industry for the SSN-AUKUS program.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is another strategic step forward to developing the most effective and advanced combat system for SSN-AUKUS, simultaneously strengthening Australia’s operational sovereignty and industrial capability,” said Craig Lockhart, CEO of BAE Systems Australia. “By aligning with our industry and trilateral partners, this signing will accelerate and enhance combat system development that is interoperable by design, reaffirming our role as a trusted partner to the Commonwealth of Australia and Royal Australian Navy.”