From strategic capability to sovereign industrial capacity
Delivering a nation-building program through defense acquisition
The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine agreement is anticipated to deliver long-term strategic benefits for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. At the core of the agreement is the strengthening of each country’s industrial capacity, with increased cooperation driving supply chain resilience.
In Australia, the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines demands far more than new shipbuilding capability. It simultaneously creates the need for a new industrial ecosystem, sovereign nuclear stewardship capability and regulatory frameworks, a national security workforce and international collaboration that function seamlessly across decades.
To succeed, AUKUS must align government, industry, regulation, infrastructure, technology, workforce and delivery into a coherent system that delivers — from day one across generations.
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Transformation and delivery strength at the ready
As one of the world's leading infrastructure and program delivery organizations, Jacobs’ experience spans defense facilities, civil nuclear infrastructure, complex transportation systems, water networks, energy assets and national-scale programs. Our strength lies in working side-by-side with our clients to turn strategic intent into physical reality.
To contrast this, PA Consulting, a Jacobs company, has deep roots in government and defense policy implementation, transformation, innovation, digital systems and organizational change. It’s one of the world's most respected consulting firms for solving complex public-sector challenges.
Our combined capabilities make us a highly valued lifecycle partner with the ability to connect policy, strategy, people, technology and infrastructure delivery within a single integrated offering.
Together, we can support the Australian Government and its nominated representatives to move AUKUS from policy ambition to industrial transformation and operational capability.
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Designing mission-ready maritime and shipbuilding infrastructure
The planned AUKUS-class nuclear-powered submarine is among the most complex defense systems in existence, requiring highly specialized shipyards and dry docks, a skilled workforce, secure supply chain and long-term maintenance ecosystems, including responsible nuclear stewardship.
Jacobs has worked with the Australian, U.K. and U.S. naval defense agencies for decades. We currently support both the U.K. Ministry of Defence and U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) on major shipyard programs, giving us valuable insight into infrastructure, engineering and delivery challenges.
From early concept and planning, through engineering, project delivery, construction completion, operations and asset management, Jacobs support clients to deliver complex marine infrastructure across the full project lifecycle globally. In Australia, we have extensive experience in port and maritime infrastructure planning, including in defense facilities, dry docks and heavy industrial marine infrastructure, and can support the AUKUS program through services including feasibility and planning, environmental impact assessments and approvals, innovative engineering design solutions for marine infrastructure, project management and site supervision — creating resilient, mission-ready infrastructure for generations to come.
We’re also a leading service provider to the civil nuclear industry, supporting nuclear programs, including new builds and advanced reactors, decommissioning and waste management. We are the sole provider of independent assurance services to the U.K.'s submarine program and are a collaborative research and development partner in their naval nuclear propulsion program.
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AUKUS is not a collection of projects; it's an ecosystem, intrinsically linked to broader port infrastructure, supply chains and capacity building. Success requires a holistic understanding of these interconnected systems, coupled with the ability to challenge convention and drive outcomes. Only through this integrated approach can we avoid fragmented delivery and build a flexible, resilient and enduring national capability.
Global Solutions Director of Ports & Maritime -
During the past four years, PA has worked at the heart of AUKUS, enabling governments to navigate complexity, build capability and establish the foundations for success. By combining PA’s expertise in transformation and systems integration with Jacobs’ global engineering and infrastructure delivery leadership, we are a comprehensive partner for one of the most ambitious national endeavors in Australia’s history.
Partner, Maritime Account Lead, PA Consulting
Bringing lifecycle capability from early strategy to sustained operations
Meet the team
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Market Director Federal & Defense -
Executive Director, Federal & Defence, Australia and New Zealand -
Partner, Maritime Account Lead, PA Consulting -
Global Solutions Director of Ports & Maritime -
Business Development Director, Defence and Regional Security
