Subcontracts signed for the Attack class submarine main storage batteries

Joint media release

• Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP

Australian company PMB Defence Pty Ltd and Greek company Systems Sunlight S.A. have signed subcontracts with Naval Group Australia to design the main storage batteries for the Attack class submarines through a competitive process.

The Government’s $50 billion Attack class program will see 12 regionally superior submarines designed and built in Australia for the Navy.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the design of the main storage batteries is one of the “Top 5” critical equipment items to the overall design of the Attack class submarine.

“The main storage batteries are the main source of power when the submarine is submerged,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The selection of these two companies to develop designs of this subsystem is another significant milestone in the design and delivery of the Attack class submarine program.

“A competitive process will ensure the final designer selected will deliver the very best battery technology to meet the key performance requirements of the Attack class submarine.”

Already, Defence has engaged PMB to explore a new battery technology that could offer significantly improved performance and may prove a suitable replacement for lead-acid batteries over the life of the Attack class submarine.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Attack class submarine program is providing significant opportunities for Australia’s defence industry.

“I am pleased to confirm that regardless of whoever wins the preferred design, the main storage batteries will be manufactured in Australia,” Minister Price said.

“This commitment will provide enormous opportunities for more local companies to be part this world-class advanced manufacturing project.

“It also demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to Australian industry involvement across all elements of the Attack class submarine program.”

Adelaide-based PMB is a supplier of energy and specialised engineering solutions for submarine platforms, and is already contracted to Defence for the supply and sustainment of batteries for the Collins class submarine fleet, from its dedicated facility at Osborne.

Systems Sunlight specialises in the development and production of batteries and energy storage systems for naval, industrial and advanced technology applications.

Further contracts will be awarded for the manufacture of the batteries in Australia following selection of the preferred battery design.