Arms company H&B Defence has been selected to identify Australian companies that can support the supply chain for the country’s submarine and aircraft carrier program with the UK and the US. The firm will evaluate suppliers of castings and forgings, precision machining, fabrication of parts, composite and glass-reinforced plastic, and other specializations needed to advance AUKUS first three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. Shortlisting of qualified small and medium enterprises will begin within the month, followed by a more rigorous set of technical assessments.
