Leonardo DRS and Hofmann Engineering have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop advanced naval propulsion systems that support the goals of the AUKUS partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The initiative aims to strengthen Australia’s defense industrial base while enhancing allied cooperation on next-generation maritime technologies. The partnership combines Leonardo DRS’s expertise in electric and hybrid propulsion with Hofmann’s large-scale manufacturing capacity in Western Australia. The collaboration will focus on research, engineering, and design of propulsion systems for electric, hybrid, and conventional naval vessels, ensuring compatibility with AUKUS priorities for sustainable and high-efficiency maritime operations. Leonardo DRS already provides propulsion solutions for major naval platforms such as the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class submarines and South Korea’s next-generation destroyers. Through this joint effort, the company seeks to transfer knowledge and integrate advanced energy and drive technologies into Australian shipbuilding programs. Hofmann Engineering will contribute fabrication and precision engineering capabilities, enabling local production and supply chain participation. The program also seeks to expand industrial resilience, reduce dependency on external suppliers, and support regional innovation through technology exchange. Beyond AUKUS defense cooperation, the collaboration is expected to generate commercial opportunities in civilian shipbuilding, aligning with broader objectives to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector. Both partners emphasized that this initiative underscores their commitment to supporting sovereign capability development and creating long-term value for the trilateral alliance.
