Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) has announced it is expanding its partnership with Marand Precision Engineering into a new export venture, supplying naval gas turbine propulsion packages to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme. Alongside this, Rolls-Royce has opened a new regional Defence Headquarters in Canberra, Australia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF), building Australian sovereign industrial capability, and expanding its presence in the Pacific Rim.
The Canberra facility was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, on 12 August 2026.
Naval gas turbine packages for the Type 26 programme
Following a competitive international tender, Rolls-Royce selected Marand to build three additional gas turbine acoustic enclosures and corresponding ship interface systems for the Type 26 programme. Marand will manufacture and assemble the enclosures at its Melbourne facility and supply them to Rolls-Royce.
This builds on an existing contract under which Marand supplies the same systems for the Commonwealth of Australia’s Hunter-class Frigate Programme, and the completed propulsion packages are delivered to the shipbuilder, BAE Systems Australia. Rolls-Royce supplies the MT30 gas turbines under both contracts, while mtu power generation solutions also support the Hunter-class programme as part of Rolls-Royce’s broader naval power and propulsion portfolio.
Rohan Stocker, CEO of ASDAM Group and Marand; and Alex Zino, Defence Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, Rolls-Royce; participate in a formal signing ceremony in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP
The enclosure provides mechanical support, noise suppression, controls, air intake, exhaust outlet, ventilation and auxiliary supplies needed to ensure optimal performance of the MT30 gas turbine.
Rolls-Royce engineers are co-located at Marand’s facility in Melbourne, working alongside the local manufacturing teams. This close collaboration supports the highly complex design development, packaging and testing of the MT30 enclosures before final delivery. By localising the packaging and integration of the engine, the partnership is developing Australia’s sovereign industrial defence capability and growing highly skilled engineering roles in Melbourne.
Alex Zino, Defence Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, Rolls-Royce, said:
“This is a transformative step in our partnership with Marand Precision Engineering. Marand was selected from an international field, a testament to the quality of Australian engineering, and it underscores our commitment to bolster Australia’s sovereign capability. We look forward to working closely with Marand, BAE Systems Australia, and our customers around the world.”
Rohan Stocker, CEO of ASDAM Group and Marand, said:
“It is a privilege for our team to manufacture and assemble the gas turbine acoustic enclosure and ship interface systems for Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems Australia and ultimately for the Commonwealth and other users. The partnership with Rolls-Royce has been an opportunity to learn from, and deliver an outstanding product with, a global leader in Defence Engineering.”
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Alex.lyon@asdam.com
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