PMB Defence Engineering Signs Contract with BAE Systems to Advance Nickel-Zinc Battery Technology for SSN-AUKUS Submarines

PMB Defence Engineering Signs Contract with BAE Systems to Advance Nickel-Zinc Battery Technology for SSN-AUKUS Submarines

(IN BRIEF) PMB Defence Engineering has signed a new contract with BAE Systems in the UK to support the integration of its nickel-zinc battery systems into the SSN-AUKUS nuclear submarine designs. The agreement expands PMB’s collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and the Submarine Delivery Agency, where the technology has been under testing for several years. Offering twice the energy capacity of conventional lead-acid systems, the nickel-zinc batteries are expected to improve submarine performance and reliability. The deal highlights the increasing role of Australian innovation and industry in the AUKUS partnership and is expected to drive further job creation and supply chain growth in South Australia.

(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTRALIA, 4-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Australian submarine battery specialist PMB Defence Engineering has entered into a key contract with BAE Systems in the United Kingdom to support the potential integration of its advanced nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery systems into the design of the next-generation nuclear-powered submarines (SSN-AUKUS) being developed under the AUKUS security partnership. The agreement was announced during the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition, marking another milestone in the growing collaboration between Australia and the UK in undersea defence innovation.

The new contract gives BAE Systems access to essential technical data required to evaluate and facilitate the integration of PMB’s nickel-zinc battery technology into submarine designs. The initiative builds upon PMB’s ongoing partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), where the Adelaide-based company has been testing and qualifying the NiZn system for use in British nuclear submarines.

SSN-AUKUS artist impression

Nuclear-powered submarines use energy from their reactors to generate electricity for onboard operations and to charge batteries that serve as an independent backup power source. PMB’s nickel-zinc battery technology offers around twice the energy capacity of conventional lead-acid batteries, providing a significant performance boost and operational advantage for future SSN-AUKUS submarines.

The UK Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and BAE Systems are collaborating closely with PMB on the development of the NiZn solution, initially targeted for the Astute Class submarines and now expanded to support the SSN-AUKUS program. PMB remains the supplier of traditional lead-acid submarine main batteries to the Royal Navy under a separate contract, ensuring continuity as the company advances its next-generation systems.

Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“This enablement contract with PMB is a strong example of how we’re accelerating Australian industry participation in the tri-lateral nuclear-powered submarine programs. The SSN-AUKUS design phase is progressing rapidly, and partnerships like this one demonstrate the industrial uplift underway across Australia’s defence sector. We’re proud to work with Australian innovators like PMB to integrate their world-leading technology into one of the most advanced submarine programs ever undertaken.”

Stephen Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer of PMB Defence Engineering, added:
“We are proud to contribute Australian innovation to one of the most complex defence programs in our nation’s history. This agreement will help expand our Adelaide-based team, strengthen our local supply chain, and reinforce Australia’s role in delivering cutting-edge technology under the AUKUS partnership.”

Established in 1989, PMB Defence Engineering has become a global leader in submarine battery systems, supplying the Collins Class submarines for the Royal Australian Navy since 1996. The company’s involvement in the SSN-AUKUS project underscores Australia’s growing contribution to international defence manufacturing and technology development.

Media contact:

Richard Sproull
Senior Communications Manager, Media and Reputation
BAE Systems Australia
Mobile +61 460 434 397

SOURCE: BAE Systems