THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday 6 October 2009
079/2009
COMBET VISITS US SUBMARINE INDUSTRY
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
finalised discussions with US industry on Australia’s Future Submarine project
that will replace the Collins class submarines.
“The United States is a leader in the design and development of submarine
technology, and I expect that Australia will look to learn from companies like
General Dynamics Electric Boat and Lockheed Martin in designing and
developing the Collins class replacement,” Mr Combet said.
“The Future Submarine will be Australia’s largest ever Defence acquisition
and the Rudd Government is committed to ensuring that Australia obtains a
world leading submarine capability. US technology is likely to be an important
facilitator of this capability.
“Electric Boat designs and shares the build of the Virginia class submarines
for the US Navy and has been instrumental in driving down production costs
to enable the US to increase the production rate of these submarines.
“Lockheed Martin is a major supplier in the US Navy submarine combat
system, the Collins Replacement Combat System supplies submarine combat
systems or components to Spain and the United Kingdom.”
“I welcome the interest from US industry in supporting the Future Submarine
project.
“Any US involvement in the Future Submarine would build on the relationships
developed with Electric Boat and other US companies in support of the Collins
class.”
Mr Combet also discussed the ongoing arrangements between ASC and
Electric Boat in support of the Collins class.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
