NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Aug. 26, 2025) — Perth-based Hofmann Engineering has become the first Australian business to complete the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Program and receive a Request for Quotation (RFQ) from HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. HII designs and builds nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.
The development signifies important progress in the establishment of Australia’s sovereign industrial capability under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, enabling qualified Australian suppliers to enter the U.S. defense supply chain. The HII-led AUSSQ Program certifies companies to join the U.S. defense supply chain.
“HII welcomes qualified Australian suppliers into our nuclear shipbuilding enterprise,” said Chris Kastner, president and CEO of HII. “By expanding and integrating our supply base, we support the increased throughput goals necessary to deliver the ships the U.S. Navy urgently needs.”
“This opportunity highlights the confidence being placed in Australian precision manufacturing and reinforces Hofmann Engineering’s commitment to delivering world-class precision machining solutions in support of both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy,” stated Erich Hofmann, managing director of Hofmann Engineering. “This collaboration reflects the strength of Australia’s industrial capability and the value of working together on innovative solutions. We remain committed to strengthening the Australia-U.S. partnership by advancing sovereign capability, building industrial resilience, and providing long-term support to undersea defense programs.”
At the U.S. Navy League’s Sea Air Space 2025 Expo, Hofmann and four other Australian companies — Century Engineering, MacTaggart Scott Australia, Levett Engineering, and VEEM Ltd. — were recognized for their successful participation in HII-led supplier development programs. Each received a Newport News Shipbuilding supplier identification number, signifying eligibility to participate in the NNS supply chain upon full certification.
About HII
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:
- HII on the web: HII.com
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