HII and Babcock have formed a new joint venture and entity – H&B Defence – to accelerate development of sovereign capability for the AUKUS conventional armed, nuclear-powered submarine program.
H&B Defence has been established to support all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1 – including workforce, nuclear infrastructure design and build, submarine defueling and decommissioning, nuclear waste and future sustainment.
The new company combines world-leading nuclear submarine and shipbuilding experience from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to support Australia’s inaugural nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS.
“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 defence,” said Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland.
Headquartered in Canberra, H&B Defence will work with government and key stakeholders from industry and academic sectors to develop a comprehensive program to promote and grow a skilled sovereign nuclear workforce in Australia.
Tim Brown AM has been appointed H&B Defence Managing Director. A 33-year veteran of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Brown has extensive knowledge and experience of Australia’s submarine programme and Defence and Industry strategy.
Mr Brown primarily served as a submarine officer and commanded both a Collins class submarine and an ANZAC class frigate.
As the Director General Submarines and Head of the Submarine Profession, he led the submarine capability enterprise through a period of unheralded submarine availability and high levels of workforce growth, and he played an early and instrumental role in the AUKUS security partnership.
“H&B Defence’s mission is to transform Australia’s submarine industrial landscape to position the nation to operate nuclear submarines,” said Mr Brown.
“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.”
The company board is chaired by HII’s President of the Nuclear and Environmental Services and HII Australia business lead, Michael Lempke, and includes Babcock Australasia CEO, Andrew Cridland.
“H&B marks a significant step forward in an enduring partnership,” commented Michael Lempke. “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.
“This collaboration is a fusion of resources and visions—aiming to enhance capabilities and foster innovation in submarine technologies and maritime systems to strengthen national and global security while ensuring a safe and secure future.”
HII is the leading designer, builder, maintainer, and sustainer of US Navy nuclear powered submarines, with over 60 submarines delivered in four decades.
Babcock currently sustains 100 per cent of the UK’s Royal Navy submarine fleet and owns and operates the UK’s only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defueling nuclear submarines.
