Defence Industry Minister meets with DCNS France

Minister for Defence Industry Leader of the House Federal Member for Sturt

The Minister for Defence industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP today met with senior management of DCNS in France to discuss progress on Australia’s Future Submarine Program.

As part of the visit, Minister Pyne also viewed the DCNS shipyard facilities in Cherbourg which follows the signing of the Design and Mobilisation Contract with DCNS in September of this year.

The meeting with DCNS executives was extremely constructive and there is no question in my mind that the company is singularly focussed on partnering with Australia to deliver a regionally superior Future Submarine, Minister Pyne said.

DCNS also understands the importance of Australian Industry participation in the Future Submarine Program during both the construction and sustainment phases to ensure a Sovereign Australian Submarine capability.

Based on analysis, the 12 submarines to be built in South Australia are expected to generate an annual average of around 2,800 jobs over the life of the program.

A range of activities are underway to maintain the progress of the Future Submarine Program, including design work and the establishment of overseas facilities in France to provide training for Australians involved in the project, Minister Pyne said.

A number of key milestones have been achieved this year including the selection of Lockheed Martin Australia as the preferred Combat System Integrator for the Future Submarine.

I expect the high tempo of activity to increase further in the New Year and remain confident in the partnership of DCNS and Defence, along with Lockheed Martin Australia, to work together to deliver the first of the Future Submarines ready for operations by the early 2030s.