The Design Contract has been signed for the Attack class submarines.
It comes less than a month after the Strategic Partnering Agreement was signed, and days after the signing of the Framework Agreement between Naval Group Australia and ASC.
The scope for this phase of work includes the ongoing maturation of the Attack Class design as it progresses into the next design phase known as the Definition phase. This will include the source selection of over 100 critical and main equipment that will contribute to the submarine design solution.
The Submarine Design Contract also includes ongoing preparations for the build of the Attack Class in the Osborne shipyard in SA, including ongoing support to Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) for the design and build of the Submarine Construction Yard and the ICT systems that will be employed.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said the signing of the contract between the Commonwealth and Naval Group is the first contract inked under the SPA.
“The detailed architecture for the hull, including the placement of main systems, will be developed under this key contract,” said Minister Pyne.
“It’s great to see our Attack class submarines well and truly taking shape.”
The Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds said the Submarine Design Contract is worth $605 million and will see design work progress through to 2021.
“The timeframe for the Submarine Design Contract takes into account the detailed design work required, ensuring we have a mature design which avoids costly rework,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This will help deliver a sovereign, regionally superior submarine capability, which will be built, operated and sustained in Australia.”