Vic gov boosts defence industry with Rolls-Royce partnership

The Victorian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce to strengthen the state’s defence industry skills, supply chain, and innovation capabilities.

The MoU, signed at the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, will see the state government work with Rolls-Royce to create supply chain opportunities for Victorian companies and support the state’s integration into the AUKUS 1&2 Pillars, to help develop skills and capabilities in the state, around the submarine program.

The agreement will also look to support launching specific research and development initiatives, including the establishment of Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres and affiliated research clusters, in collaboration with Victorian universities.

“This agreement with Rolls-Royce will help us support our defence sector and the 29,000 jobs it backs,” Victorian minister for industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks, said.

It follows the launch of the Victorian Defence Vision Statement, which aims to grow the state’s defence industry capabilities.

As part of the existing AUKUS agreement, Rolls-Royce is providing nuclear energy infrastructure to power Australia’s submarines.

Rolls-Royce president Steve Carlier added, “this collaboration agreement will bring together the world-leading research and innovation capabilities of Victoria with our own established nuclear expertise to support Australia in their mission to introduce nuclear powered submarines to their fleet.

“This agreement allows us to support Australia in establishing a sustainable supply chain in-country, while developing home-grown nuclear talent and well-paid careers for Australian people.”

Picture: An artist impression of the future SSN AUKUS attack submarines (credit Rolls-Royce Submarines)