BAE Systems and PMB to advance Australian battery tech for SSN-AUKUS
Australian submarine battery systems company PMB Defence Engineering has entered into a contract with BAE Systems in the UK to enable the potential integration of its nickel zinc battery technology into the design of UK and Australia's nuclear-powered submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS.
Above: Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition.
Courtesy BAE Systems / PMB
This contract builds on PMB’s work in recent years with the UK Ministry of Defence to test and qualify the nickel zinc technology for its nuclear submarines.
The contract will enable BAE Systems to have visibility of the data needed to support the integration of the nickel zinc battery system into UK submarine designs.
Nuclear-powered submarines generate the electricity needed to operate onboard systems using energy from their reactors. This power is also used to charge large batteries to support the operation of equipment and to serve as an independent backup energy source.
Nickel zinc battery systems can offer approximately double the energy capacity of traditional lead acid batteries.
UK Ministry of Defence work with PMB
In partnership with BAE Systems, the UK Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is working in collaboration with PMB on the development of a Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) solution to replace the lead-acid (PbAcid) submarine main battery (SMB). Over the past six years, SDA has maintained a series of contracts with PMB to advance this innovative technology.
The primary target platform for the NiZn technology remains the Astute Class submarines. However, as this technology has been identified as the preferred option for the SSN-AUKUS programme, the scope of development has been expanded to include support for this application.
PMB continues to serve as the supplier of PbAcid batteries to the Royal Navy, under a separate contract with the SDA.
Above: SSN-AUKUS artist impression.
Courtesy BAE Systems
BAE Systems and PMB remain committed to the successful development and implementation of the NiZn SMB technology and will continue to work closely with the SDA to achieve this goal.
Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Australia, said: “This enablement contract with PMB is an example of the industrial uplift efforts underway to maximise and accelerate Australian industry participation in tri-lateral nuclear-powered submarine programmes.
“Strong progress is being made on the detailed design phase of the SSN-AUKUS programme, the workforce continues to grow and strong collaboration is occurring between submarine build partners, the UK and Australian governments and industry.
“We’re committed to continuing to work closely with Australian companies, like PMB, to identify opportunities for them to be involved in SSN-AUKUS design and build activities.”
Stephen Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer, PMB Defence Engineering, said: “We are proud to contribute Australian innovation to one of the most complex defence programs in our nation's history.
“This contract will drive further growth in our Adelaide-based team and expand our local supply chain as we move towards production.
“The agreement also highlights the growing role of Australian industry in delivering advanced capability under the AUKUS partnership.”