McLEAN, Va., (July 22, 2024) — HII’s (NYSE:HII) Mission Technologies division was awarded a five-year contract to provide global supply chain services to the Australian Government’s Department of Defence.

HII will identify, assess and connect Australian suppliers to opportunities across HII’s global supply chain; facilitate international and domestic visits between Australian suppliers and HII; and facilitate the export licensing process.

HII is leveraging its proven track record in the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, advanced technologies and infrastructure development, including workforce and supply chain, in support of the Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS) security partnership.

“This is an important step for HII and for Australia that paves the way for further opportunities for Australian suppliers in making AUKUS a success,” said Terry Nichols, managing director HII-Australia. “The partnership will enable a cost-effective global supply chain and underpins our strategic business development in the world market. We look forward to supporting Australian suppliers within our supply chain and improving their global advantage.”

More than 2,000 active suppliers in the United States support HII’s construction of the most complex, powerful and survivable ships ever built. HII spends roughly $1 billion annually with its U.S. suppliers, nearly half of which are small businesses.

In April 2024, HII announced that Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steel will process steel at its Port Kembla facility for Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, that designs and builds US nuclear-powered submarines. The steel will be used for training and testing, representing a critical step in strengthening the industrial supply base for the AUKUS program.

HII Australia is headquartered in Canberra.