Australia signs $50b Attack submarine deal with French shipbuilder

Sydney: After several years of negotiations, officials will on Monday sign an agreement for the construction of the Australian Navy's fleet of new submarines.



Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne during a visit to the submarine construction yard at Osborne, Adelaide in December.Credit:AAP


The federal government announced the signing of the Attack class submarine Strategic Partnering Agreement with French shipbuilder Naval Group.

Defence and Naval Group officials have been locked in negotiations for several years to produce the 12 submarines.

In December there were reports the $50 billion project could arrive late and cost millions more than expected.

However, a joint statement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said work would continue on the first attack class submarine, to be named HMAS Attack, to deliver it within budget in the early 2030s.

The formal signing of the agreement is a "defining moment for the country," the statement said.

"The submarines will help protect Australia's security and prosperity for decades to come and also deepen the defence relationship between Australia and France."

Construction on the "regionally superior" submarines has already begun and work will continue under the agreement, which represents the contractual basis for the program, it said.

The submarines are a major pillar of the government's $90 billion National Shipbuilding Plan, under which 54 naval vessels will be built in Australia.

The development of the submarine construction yard at Osborne in South Australia is continuing as part of other activities required to deliver the program.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...-with-french-shipbuilder-20190211-p50wwe.html


Attack Class Future Submarines


Australia’s new future submarines will be known as the Attack class.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the first submarine will be called HMAS Attack and will be delivered to the Navy in the early 2030s.

“The Attack class represents the inherent stealth, long-range endurance and lethality of a submarine,” said Minister Pyne.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, said the Attack class will provide Australia with a regionally superior submarine.

“The Attack class will meet the Navy’s capability needs and help protect our security and prosperity for decades to come,” said Vice Admiral Noonan

“I can also announce the negotiations between the Commonwealth and Naval Group on all key provisions of the Strategic Partnering Agreement (SPA) have been completed,” Minister Pyne said. “I congratulate everyone involved in achieving this significant milestone.”

The SPA will be signed in early 2019 and will govern the delivery of the Attack class over the decades to come.

“Work on the design of the Attack class will continue without interruption under the Design and Mobilisation Contract which was signed on 30 September 2016.”

The full range of other activities required to deliver this major program, including the development of the submarine construction yard, and the ongoing engagement of Australian industry to achieve Australian sovereignty, are also continuing.

http://naval-group.com.au/2018/12/17/attack-class-future-submarines/

 

Yep.. and no one is saying its being milked by France..Hahaha!

 

The submarines are a cornerstone of the $ 90 billion national shipbuilding plan, under which 54 ships will be built in Australia.

The $ 50 billion project will not only design and build 12 submarines that are superior to the Australian Navy's regional level - it will also boost local industry, providing thousands of jobs and transferring world-class technology, knowledge and expertise to Australia.

*it is in Australian Dollars ($ 40 Billion US)

 

Same most advanced technologies, only the French one uses Nuclear propulsion and the Australian uses AIP instead.. And an overall 100% TOT.. plus 25 years of maintenance
Note that the program has a life span from 2027 to 2050.. where Australia will be able to make its own with the latest technologies of the day as it is for these subs now.. So it is really an investment in the future..