The Government of Australia and the Naval Group are seeking the Expressions of Interest (EoI) from the Australian industry for the construction of major parts of equipment for its Future Submarine Programme.
The work for the new Attack-class submarines is expected to help create jobs and new opportunities in the Australian industry.
According to Naval Group, it is estimated to cost $900m across 12 boat fleet.
Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “This commitment by Naval Group demonstrates the significant benefits to Australian industry that will flow from the Attack-class Submarine Programme.
“As we approach the preliminary design in January 2021, this is a critical phase of the programme where we are in the process of designing and selecting more than a million submarine parts that need to work perfectly together.
“The skills and knowledge to manufacture this equipment and others will progressively be transferred to Australian industry as work packages are released to industry as part of the government’s sovereignty objectives.”
Meanwhile, Reynolds and South Australia Senator and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham inaugurated the new office of Naval Group Australia at Port Adelaide.
It marks an important milestone for Naval Group Australia as it expands its workforce.
With a capacity for 350 employees, the office will accommodate Naval Group workforce of 250 personnel.
Reynolds added: “The new dedicated office, close to where the Attack-class fleet will be built at the Osborne North Submarine Construction Yard, demonstrates Naval Group’s commitment to delivering the regionally superior Attack-class submarines.
“South Australia is at the forefront of the Morrison Government’s plan to ensure Australia has the maritime capabilities to defend Australia and its interests over the coming decades, supported by a world-class, sustainable naval shipbuilding industry.”
In January, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) released a report into the Future Submarine Program on the country’s future submarine capability.
