An Alliance based contracting strategy has been employed by the AWD Program for the Build Phase of the project. The Air Warfare Destroyer Program’s adoption and management of the Alliance strategy is widely recognised as an international benchmark for major Defence acquisitions.

In April 2005, the Australian Government selected Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd (Raytheon) as the Combat System Systems Engineer, and in May 2005 selected ASC AWD Shipbuilder Pty Ltd (ASC) as the Shipbuilder.

The DMO, ASC and Raytheon Australia will work together to deliver the AWD capability to the Royal Australian Navy.

The philosophy behind the Alliance strategy is to integrate Defence and Industry to ensure best for project outcomes based upon a pain share-gain share contracting strategy. The Alliance will break down the barriers between both Defence and Industry, as well as between the Industry Participants themselves.

While Navantia will be a subcontractor to the Commonwealth, the Design Team will be integrated seamlessly into the Alliance working environment to achieve common Alliance goals.