Learn about joining the AUKUS Connect Program
In an era marked by rapidly evolving security challenges, the importance of collaboration between industry, researchers, and defence organisations cannot be overstated.
The AUKUS Connect program is a ground breaking initiative to build bridges between key stakeholders in Australia and across the AUKUS Member Nations.
Members of the AUKUS Forum can participate in the program to help realise greater possibilities for growth and the development of innovative breakthrough solutions.
Spearheaded by industry specialist Michael Sharpe, the program seeks to foster partnerships, promote knowledge sharing, and leverage innovative technologies to address defence industry needs.
At the heart of our mission is the drive to support Australian industries, particularly SME's in their growth trajectories and to unlock their export potential. By fostering strategic partnerships, we aim to cultivate a robust ecosystem where people can contribute to and benefit from the largest industrial project in Australia's history.
We foster collaboration across communities, bringing together individuals who may not typically engage in the field of national security. Our collective efforts drive innovation in national security and facilitate the development of technologies that directly benefit those entrusted with safeguarding our nations.
The AUKUS Forum leads delegations across the United States to meet face to face with key people across industry, academia. government and defense. Michael Sharpe leads the delegation and provides insights and connections to help delegates understand the growing opportunities. With key connections across the USA, including in Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut and California, the opportunities to engage Stateside are expanding.
Make new connections in the United States and explore access to capital, access to research and opportunities to grow your business. With our Advisory Board Co-Chair, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos being based in Washington DC, register now for our next delegation.
Register now! Contact Cathy@aukusforum.com
Sloanebuilt is an innovative manufacturer of quality heavy vehicle trailers that are nationally renowned for their strength, durability, and reliability. Now diversifying into defence industry needs.
"Sloanebuilt is honoured to be a part of the AUKUS Connect initiative, an alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Recognized as the 2023 Australian Owned Business of the Year, we stand committed to manufacturing excellence and contribution to the country's development. As a proudly Australian company, our focus is to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and reliability. Our history is a testament to our dedication, and we look forward to contributing to the success of defence projects and beyond.
Thanks Michael Sharpe for this opportunity and collaboration with Sloanebuilt to deliver excellence and uphold our commitment to the industries and to our country."
#AUKUS #Sloanebuilt #Partnership #AUKUSConnect
#StrongerTogether
AUKUS Connect actively promotes the establishment of partnerships between industry and defence organisations. The program enables industry players to understand the defence sector's specific needs and tailor their solutions accordingly.
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in the nation's history – exceeding in scale, complexity, and economic significance the creation of an Australian automotive manufacturing sector and the construction of the Snowy Hydro Scheme.
Nuclear Taskforce Chairman, Michael Sharpe said "We are bringing industry and researchers together to support Defence projects for today and for the decades to come. We are working to help plan and build the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s future."
A new submarine base will be built on the east coast of Australia to support the nation’s new nuclear-powered submarines, providing deployment opportunities in both the Indian and Pacific oceans.
In the US at Newport News Shipping (NNS) Virginia, a Multi-Class Submarine Production Facility, funded jointly by the US Navy and Huntington Ingall Industries (HII) is part of US$1.9 billion in capital investments HII is making at NNS between 2016 and 2025. NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.
Developing a pipeline of highly skilled STEM graduates and a talented skilled workforce will build Australia’s sovereign industry capabilities, playing a crucial role in delivering on our AUKUS commitments, and strengthening national security.
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said:
“The Albanese Government understands that front and centre of the success of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will be the many thousands of Australians who help build them. “We need to start investing in those skills now – this is a project which starts this year and will span decades with enormous opportunities.”
The first major initiative of AUKUS was the historic trilateral decision to support Australia acquiring conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. A Joint Leaders Statement has announced the pathway to achieve this critical capability.
"This plan is designed to support Australia’s development of the infrastructure, technical capabilities, industry and human capital necessary to produce, maintain, operate, and steward a sovereign fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Australia is fully committed to responsible stewardship of naval nuclear propulsion technology."
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said:
“The AUKUS submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in Australian history.
“Young Australians starting training now have a bright future ahead of them with secure high skilled, well paid jobs that will make an important contribution to Australia’s defence industry and our national security.”
While HMAS Stirling in Western Australia will continue as the west coast submarine base, the new east coast base will be the home port for half of the new nuclear-powered submarine fleet, supported by industry for operations and maintenance. The economic benefits to the chosen location will be significant: a spend in the region of $5–10 billion to develop the base, ongoing employment of 3,000 to 5,000 personnel, and an array of industries and services supporting these workers and their families. As an example, the Garden Island Defence Precinct in Sydney injects an estimated $842 million into its local economy annually, with around $286 million in salaries.
The AUKUS Forum provides Australian industry, academia, and government with a dedicated think tank and skills forum designed to provide jobs and boost the economy to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities now opening up as a result of the formation of the AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.