Continuous naval shipbuilding and growth for this sector have been secured with the Heads of Agreement (HoA) signing between Austal and the Commonwealth Government.
Austal are a WA Defence Prime with a 400-strong workforce and this agreement will see that the Australian Defence Force’s Army Landing Craft Medium and Heavy (Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels) will be built at the Australian Marine Complex by Austal, subject to successful commercial negotiations and ongoing performance.
The Commonwealth Government further announced that 2 more Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, at a cost of $157.1 million, will also be built by Austal at the Australian Marine Complex.
Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment is an important component of the Western Australian Government’s Diversify WA strategy.
Speaking today at the Australian Marine Complex, the Western Australian Minister for Defence Industry Paul Papalia said, “Western Australia is recognised as being a key contributor to the nation’s defence strategy.
“Kids in primary schools can now look to the shipbuilding sector as a career path that will last them a lifetime.”
The WA State Government, through Defence West has been supporting the growth of the sector through grant programs, development of infrastructure at the Australian Marine Complex and active promotion of Western Australian defence industry capability globally.
