First Contract Signed with DCNS to Commence Design Phase

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today announced the next significant step in the building of Australia’s Future Submarines with the signing of the contract between the Government and DCNS to commence the design phase of the Program.

Mr Pyne said the signing of the Design and Mobilisation contract today with DCNS was ahead of schedule and not only represented another significant step along the path to developing a regionally superior Future Submarine but also was good news for Australian Defence industry.

“The signing ahead of schedule of the Design and Mobilisation Contract with DCNS demonstrates the Turnbull Government's commitment to ensuring the project is on track and that planning and preparations at each step are consistently thorough.

“Mobilisation and design activities will mark the start of the Future Submarine Program, with work also commencing to maximise Australian industry involvement and early planning for the construction of the Submarines in Australia.”

"The timely start of design and robust planning for each phase of the Future Submarine Program are essential to success and for the benefits to start flowing to the Australian economy.

"Involvement of Australian industry in the Future Submarine Program is of vital importance to the construction and sustainment of the submarine fleet into the future, creating job opportunities across Australia.

Alongside construction of the future submarines in Adelaide, there is other highly technical work to be conducted in Australia.  This will include the integration and testing of submarine systems, including the propulsion and combat systems for the submarines.”

Minister Payne said that the start of design marks a significant milestone in the development of regionally superior Future Submarine capability for Australia.

“The design phase will enable Australia, in partnership with DCNS and Lockheed Martin Australia, to design a submarine that meets our unique capability requirements, which include superior stealth and sensor performance,’’ Minister Payne said.

“This will be essential to meeting the security challenges we face over the coming decades as set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

“Our future Submarines will be an essential part of Australia’s naval capability and will provide us with a strategic advantage. Submarines are an effective deterrent, and make a meaningful contribution to anti-submarine warfare in our region.”

“We look forward to our cooperation with France and the United States to support the development of this most important Defence capability for our nation,’’ Minister Payne said.

Mr Pyne said he was especially pleased that DCNS and Lockheed Martin Australia will be leading industry days in Australia in November and throughout 2017 across the nation to maximise Australian industry involvement in this major Defence acquisition program.

Minister Pyne Media Contacts
Rory Grant: 0439 764 809, pynemedia@defence.gov.auEleisa Hancock: 0427 981 990, pynemedia@defence.gov.au

Minister Payne Media Contact
Henry Budd: 0429 531 143

Department of Defence Media (02) 6127 1999