Austal Limited announced the official start of production on its $5 billion landing craft projects for the Australian Army, marking a significant milestone for Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia Pty Ltd as Australia’s Strategic Shipbuilder.
After an extensive design and supply procurement process, metal has been cut on the first Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) and Landing Craft Medium (LCM). The approx. $4 billion LCH contract consists of eight vessels and the $1.029 billion LCM contract consists of 18 vessels.
The initial LCH metal cut was performed by HD Plasma in Bibra Lake, Western Australia, while LCM’s metal cut was performed by Austal’s long-term industry partner Pacific Industrial Company in Naval Base, Western Australia. These two partnerships highlight the importance of Austal’s supply chain in the success of the two projects.
The commencement of production follows the successful completion of significant design, planning, supply chain mobilisation, and workforce readiness activities. These amphibious projects leverage Austal’s proven expertise in shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and program execution, delivering critical capability while strengthening Australia’s long-term shipbuilding ecosystem.
Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia Executive General Manager Gavin Stewart said: “The first metal cuts by HD Plasma and Pacific Industrial Company are important milestones that turn years of planning, engineering and preparation into physical production.
“The commencement of both projects is an incredibly significant achievement for Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia and the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement framework under which we operate.”