Expansion of US-UK Submarine Collaboration through Babcock and HII Contract

HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) and Babcock International Group have formalized a contract that significantly enhances their collaboration on the construction of Virginia-class submarines. This agreement allows Babcock to manufacture complex submarine assemblies for the Virginia-class Block VI boats at its Rosyth facility in Scotland. The partnership aims to bolster the supply chain resilience for submarine production in the United States and strengthen the trilateral AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) security partnership.

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine constructionUS taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

HII's Chief Executive Chris Kastner emphasized that this contract represents a pivotal advancement in their joint commitment to enhance capabilities beneficial to both U.S. and U.K. defense programs. He stated, “Leveraging Babcock’s reach and expertise in the U.K. will reinforce our supplier base, strengthen submarine production in the U.S., and support the trilateral AUKUS partnership.” Similarly, Babcock's CEO David Lockwood noted that their advanced manufacturing expertise will facilitate the delivery of additional complex assemblies for the U.S. submarine fleet, optimizing their joint capabilities for the AUKUS security partnership.

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

UK Defence Secretary John Healey remarked that the contract signifies growing global confidence in Scotland’s defense workforce. He described the announcement as “another vote of confidence in the workers and skills of Scotland’s defence industry,” asserting that it demonstrates the UK’s emergence as a global leader in advanced marine and submarine engineering. Healey reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Scottish defense workers, highlighting the economic benefits this partnership could bring to communities across Scotland.

US taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

The collaboration between HII and Babcock has been evolving since July 2023, when they entered a strategic agreement to work together on naval and civil nuclear decommissioning and construction projects in both the UK and US. Their efforts also include participation in the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, which aims to integrate Australian suppliers into the US submarine industrial base.

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine constructionUS taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

At the recent DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) event, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to combine HII’s REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles with Babcock’s submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems. This initiative is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the UK Royal Navy and allied forces.

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine constructionUS taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

The contract between HII and Babcock marks a significant step in the collaboration between the US and UK in submarine construction, reflecting a strategic effort to enhance defense capabilities and support the AUKUS partnership. As both companies continue to expand their cooperation, the implications for the defense industry and regional economies in Scotland are expected to be substantial.

US taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

• “This is a significant next step in delivering on our joint commitment to enhance both organisations’ capabilities, for the benefit of US and UK programmes,” — Chris Kastner, CEO, HII

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

• “Babcock’s advanced manufacturing expertise has enabled us to build on our established missile tube assembly capability, to deliver additional complex assemblies for the US submarine fleet.” — David Lockwood, CEO, Babcock International Group

US taps Babcock to build parts for Virginia subs in Scotland

• “ The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP said: “Today’s announcement represents another vote of confidence in the workers and skills of Scotland’s defence industry.” — John Healey, UK Defence Secretary

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction