Global defense companies HII and Babcock have launched a joint venture called H&B Defence to help fast-track the development of a skilled Australian workforce for Canberra’s nuclear submarine project under the AUKUS military alliance.
The company will seek to mold an Australian submarine industry sector and position the country in nuclear sub operations, according to Tim Brown, who heads the joint venture as its newly appointed managing director.
“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 life cycle,” he said.
Brown brings 23 years of experience in the Royal Australian Navy, including service as commander of a Collins-class submarine, to H&B. According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined HII Nuclear Australia in March as operations vice president.
Michael Lempke, HII’s Nuclear and Environmental Services president and HII Australia business lead, heads H&B’s board, which also includes Andrew Cridland, Babcock Australasia CEO.
Lempke described the creation of the H&B joint venture as “a significant step forward in an enduring partnership” that relies on expertise from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
