Rolls-Royce has expanded its partnership with Australian engineering company Marand Precision Engineering to support the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme, while strengthening its defence presence in the Pacific Rim with a new regional headquarters in Canberra.
Under the expanded partnership, Marand will manufacture and assemble three additional gas turbine acoustic enclosures and associated ship interface systems for Rolls-Royce’s naval propulsion packages. The components will be produced at Marand’s Melbourne facility following a competitive international tender.
The new contract builds on an existing agreement under which Marand supplies the same systems for Australia’s Hunter-class Frigate Programme. Rolls-Royce provides MT30 gas turbines for both programmes, with the completed propulsion packages delivered to BAE Systems Australia.
Supporting Type 26 propulsion systems
The acoustic enclosure is designed to provide mechanical support and noise suppression while integrating key systems including controls, air intake, exhaust outlet, ventilation and auxiliary supplies. These functions help optimise the performance of the MT30 gas turbine within the naval propulsion system.
Rolls-Royce engineers are working alongside Marand’s manufacturing teams in Melbourne on the design development, packaging and testing of the enclosures before final delivery.
The companies said the collaboration will contribute to Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability while supporting the development of specialised engineering skills and jobs in Melbourne.
Alex Zino, Defence Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, at Rolls-Royce, said the expanded partnership represents a major step in the company’s relationship with Marand and demonstrates the strength of Australian engineering capabilities.
Rohan Stocker, CEO of ASDAM Group and Marand, said the company was pleased to manufacture and assemble the acoustic enclosures and ship interface systems for Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia.
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Rolls-Royce establishes Pacific Rim defence hub
Alongside the expanded industrial partnership, Rolls-Royce has opened a dedicated Defence Headquarters in Canberra to serve as its strategic hub for Defence operations across the Pacific Rim.
The facility, officially opened by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP on August 12, will support operations across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.
Rolls-Royce plans to invest in the Canberra facility over the next five years, increasing its ability to work directly with government, defence organisations and industry partners on major national security programmes.
The headquarters will also support the company’s involvement in several multi-domain defence initiatives with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), regional partners and strategic frameworks including AUKUS.
Thijs Miedema, Senior Vice President for Defence Pacific Rim at Rolls-Royce, said the permanent Canberra presence will bring the company closer to Australian Government and ADF leadership while strengthening collaboration on key defence programmes.
The new headquarters adds to Rolls-Royce’s established Australian footprint, which includes products supporting land, naval and air forces. The company will continue operating its Sydney office, while fleet services and technical personnel remain deployed at several ADF bases to provide on-site operational and engineering support.
