AUSTRALIAN+NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2026 www.defence.directory THE NATION BUILD 16 STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY WITH A SOVEREIGN NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE CAPABILITY In 1989 I started working at ASC, Australia’s submarine company. At that time, ASC had just commenced building the nation’s fleet of six Collins Class submarines. While much has changed since then, one thing remains the same: Australia needs submarines to protect our vast maritime borders, and our way of life. For more than two decades, the Collins Class submarines have served with the Royal Australian Navy. And now the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the US and the UK promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable, as well as being transformative for the nation’s workforce growth, industrial resilience and capability, and technological advancement. In 2025, ASC will celebrate an incredible milestone – 40 years as Australia’s sovereign submarine builder and sustainer. Since ASC’s founding in 1985, our purpose has been clear: to deliver and maintain the submarine capabilities our Navy needs to operate at its best. Four decades on, that mission has never been stronger. From building a fleet of six Collins Class submarines, to our first-class sustainment operations today, ASC is responsible for one of the most complex and sophisticated naval platforms in service in the world. Our highly skilled and dedicated workforce across South Australia and Western Australia – engineers, tradespeople, project managers, and support staff – take pride in their roles. Every Collins Class submarine is a testament to the partnership between ASC, Defence, and the RAN. ASC’s work is highly technical, time-critical, and driven by an unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and operational readiness. It is the product of decades of collaboration and mutual trust between ASC and Defence. ASC is not just a capability – it’s a national asset, built and refined over 40 years of service to the nation. As we look ahead, ASC is preparing for the next chapter in Australia’s naval capability – the transition to conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership. ASC is investing in infrastructure, technology, and workforce growth to ensure Australia has the capability to sustain these next-generation platforms. ASC’s early-careers programs are equipping the next wave of submarine specialists – from experienced tradespeople to new apprentices and engineering graduates – with the expertise needed for a sovereign nuclear-powered submarine sustainment capability. It is an investment in people, in technology, and in Australia’s long-term security. We are also working to build a resilient industrial base and open the door for Australian companies to be part of global defence supply chains. Initiatives like the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program are already helping local businesses invest in the skills, equipment, and standards needed to compete in this space. In 2026, the Royal Australian Navy will celebrate its 125th anniversary. ASC is honoured to have played a role in that story for the past 40 years and to continue as a trusted partner in the decades to come. As I reflect on my years at ASC, I am humbled by all that we have achieved together. We’re investing in our people and our efforts to uplift Australian businesses into the AUKUS supply chain are taking shape. So now, as I turn my attention to the future, I am at ease in my confidence that ASC will continue to go from strength to strength as it delivers a sovereign multi-class capability for decades to come. Stuart Whiley AM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer ASC Pty Ltd
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