• The Shortfin Barracuda. Credit: ASPI
    The Shortfin Barracuda. Credit: ASPI
  • Credit: Naval Group
    Credit: Naval Group
  • Credit: Naval Group
    Credit: Naval Group
  • Credit: Naval Group
    Credit: Naval Group
  • The DCNS design for the Shortfin Barracuda has been selected for the Sea 1000 Future Submarine Program. Credit: DCNS
    The DCNS design for the Shortfin Barracuda has been selected for the Sea 1000 Future Submarine Program. Credit: DCNS
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Critical design work on the Future Submarine Program will move to South Australia from 2022.

Currently, initial design work is taking place in Adelaide and Cherbourg, France. The announcement coincides with the visit to Australia by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and follows the signing of several agreements strengthening defence industry and research ties.

It also follows the recent release of the Defence Industrial Capabilities Plan, which highlighted the need for foreign contractors to have a 'significant' Australian presence. Naval Group’s decision to migrate detailed design of the Future Submarine to Australia is an early indicator that the plan will help build Australia’s sovereign defence industry capability.

Up to 270 Australian jobs will be created in the detailed design and production planning activities. During detailed design the Future Submarines will be developed and planned using advanced computer-aided software, which includes the layout of all systems in each compartment of the submarine.

At the same time, the schedule for the construction of the submarine will be planned in detail to guide shipyard workers on each stage of the build.

Preparations for the build will involve a range of training activities to ensure that shipbuilders achieve the necessary qualifications and develop the skills needed to undertake both detailed design and production planning.

The 12 new submarines will be constructed in Adelaide using a national supply chain. More than 600 Australian companies have so far registered interest with Naval Group to be part of the program.

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