Australian Steel to Support U.S. Virginia-Class Submarine Construction, Boosting Allied Defense Capabilities
Australian-produced submarine-grade steel is set to be used in the construction of United States Navy Virginia-class submarines for the first time. Bisalloy Steels, an Australian company, has received a purchase order from General Dynamics Electric Boat valued at approximately $2 million for HY80 steel plate. This marks a significant milestone for Australian industry, highlighting its growing role in supporting allied submarine programs. The achievement follows Bisalloy's successful qualification through the Australian Government's Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program, which ensures Australian companies meet the strict standards required to enter the U.S. submarine industrial base. The collaboration involved Bisalloy, BlueScope, the Australian Submarine Agency, and other stakeholders to demonstrate the capability of Australian industry in meeting the stringent standards for submarine construction.