02/06/2026
CANBERRA, ACT (2 June 2026)
Omni Executive has partnered with United Kingdom company, Samarkand Group, to support Australia’s Nuclear Submarine Program under AUKUS, one of the most significant Defence initiatives in Australia’s history.
The partnership combines Omni’s extensive experience in Defence engineering, program management, safety, security and assurance with Samarkand’s deep expertise in the United Kingdom’s Defence Nuclear Program including safeguarding and facilities management, nuclear regulatory compliance and nuclear high-hazard facility governance. Together, the organisations will support the safe, compliant and sustainable development of Australia’s nuclear submarine capability to meet Australia’s obligations under AUKUS.
“Having personally known and worked with the Samarkand principals for over 15 years, I am confident in their ability and at Omni, we are very glad to be bringing this critical nuclear capability to Australia.”
– Steven Thorpe, CEO of Omni Executive
Omni will lead client engagement and act as prime contractor, drawing on its national workforce of more than 400 personnel, over 90% of whom hold security clearances, operating from dedicated facilities in Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. This partnership enhances Omni’s established capability across security assurance, delivery and management with critical nuclear expertise.
Samarkand contributes extensive Defence Nuclear industry experience, including statutory Licensee-level capability, Nuclear Submarine Charge Engineers, Radiation Protection Advisers and Emergency Planning specialists. Its personnel hold current nuclear-specific qualifications and remain practicing professionals supporting major naval nuclear programs in the United Kingdom. This experience strengthens Australia’s ability to operate within the rigorous safety and regulatory frameworks required under AUKUS.
“The strength of the Omni and Samarkand partnership is that of two companies bringing different, but compatible capabilities. Our companies share the same values, ethos and culture, born of similar beginnings and backgrounds in military service. We look forward to working with Omni to strengthen Australia’s nuclear ambitions.”
– Jim Neal, Director of Samarkand Group
A core principle of the partnership is strengthening Australian Sovereign Capability within the AUKUS framework. Through Omni, the delivery model prioritises and aligns with the Australian Government’s Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program. Specialist expertise from the UK complements long-term workforce development objectives, ensuring knowledge transfer and sustainable capability growth within Australia.
The partnership will provide integrated support across regulatory compliance and assurance, program and project management, nuclear safety training and workforce development, contributing to the safe, compliant and enduring operation of Australia’s future AUKUS nuclear submarine capability.
About Omni Executive
Omni Executive is an Australian‑owned delivery partner supporting Defence, industry and government across aerospace, professional services, assurance, secure Infrastructure, and training. With a highly cleared national workforce, Omni delivers mission‑critical outcomes across complex and sensitive environments.
About Samarkand Group
Samarkand Group is a UK‑based specialist provider of Defence nuclear expertise, offering deep capability in regulatory compliance, high‑hazard facility governance, and nuclear program delivery. Its personnel support major naval nuclear programs and bring current, operational experience in highly regulated environments.
Media Enquiries:
Omni Chief Operations Officer
Email: sonya.hogan@omniexe.com
Phone: 0422 402 063