Thales teams up for Australian naval sustainment
Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane returns to Fleet Base East, Sydney after a two-month deployment in December 2022. The Thales-Orbis partnership aims to improve the readiness of Australia's naval vessels. (Photo: Commonwealth of Australia)
Thales Australia will partner with USN contractor Orbis Sibro on fleet sustainment operations for the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney.
Thales Australia and Orbis Sibro have entered into an agreement to collaborate on maritime sustainment operations in support of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Fleet Base East in Sydney.
One aim of the partnership is to accelerate and future-proof maritime sustainment capability in support of the Australian government’s National Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise.
Under this agreement, Thales and Orbis will focus on initiatives including technological innovation and shipyard infrastructure optimisation, as well as developing the naval sustainment industrial base and workforce.
To accelerate capability advancement at Fleet Base East, the companies have completed preliminary feasibility studies and reviews of Australia’s existing naval sustainment and support operations, workforce development and optimisation, as well as upskilling and mentoring programs.
Max Kufner, VP above-water systems, Thales Australia & New Zealand said: 'This partnership will help deliver greater integration of platform and infrastructure through digitisation and automation of the maritime sustainment environment, which is necessary to increase the readiness, availability and performance of RAN fleets and assets.'
The announcement comes in the week full details of the AUKUS submarine programme involving the UK, US and Australia were revealed.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
