Hunter Defence and ASC: “Ask Me Anything” Forum.

Hunter Defence, in partnership with Australia's submarine company, ASC, is delivering the Navigating Defence Series that will equip participants with the expertise needed to navigate the more complex aspects of supplying to ASC as part of the AUKUS Virginia Class Nuclear Submarine Program.

Presented by the ASC Industry Capability and Supply Chain team, topics will include how ASC is positioned as part of the AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy and how Australian industry can become part of the multigenerational opportunities in the AUKUS program. The ASC team will talk about the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) program and what to expect during the qualification process, standards and development assistance provided.

During IndoPac, these key messages and ASC’s capability development plans will be part of the keynote speech by their Chief Nuclear & Capability Officer, Alex Walsh, and included in several panel discussion and planned industry events attended by senior ASC managers.

ASC General Manager, Supply Chain Strategy and Oversight, Marius Pretorius:

“We will talk about the general opportunities, product or service families, context of how Hunter Defence and Mining Sectors suppliers can be used on ASC Collins and Virginia class submarines programs, the high-level timing, what can be expected in terms of process and how to get involved. The ASC supplier Bids are through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) and ASC uses JOSCAR for pre-qualification assessments. I have worked with the Hunter Region and wider Australian Mining community during my time at Liebherr Mining and know there is good capabilities in that sector."

Working with Primes

ASC and Australian SMEs, through the AUKUS program are integral to the overall success of the trilateral program.

Learn what to expect when working with an AUKUS submarine and a defence prime contractor, from the free ASC Gap Assessment along with your ICN and JOSCAR Registration, to consider entering the ASC supply chain and export your capabilities.

For more information about ASC's supply chain opportunities, click here.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025. Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Venue: 102/470 King St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302