THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
186/2008
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE VISITS
DEFENCE PROJECTS IN SPAIN
Minister for Defence, The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon, today saw first-hand the progress
being made on some of Australia’s largest acquisition projects, during a visit to
Spanish ship designer and shipbuilder, Navantia.
Mr Fitzgibbon travelled to Navantia’s headquarters in Ferrol, Spain, to discuss
progress with two major defence projects, which will provide key future capability for
Navy: namely the Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) – designed by Navantia and being
built in Australia – and the amphibious Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD).
He also visited EADS CASA who are building the new-generation Airbus Multi Role
Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and took the opportunity to tour the Eurofighter
facility, and to discuss the aircraft’s capabilities.
“This visit provided me the opportunity to see the future of Australia’s naval capability
for myself, and I have received a comprehensive update on the progress of these
projects,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Although the AWDs will be built in Australia, Navantia, as the platform designer for
the ships, is working closely with the AWD Alliance to deliver these highly capable
vessels, and I am satisfied with progress at this early stage.”
“Navantia continues to perform on or ahead of schedule and we acknowledge
Navantia’s commitment to timely delivery and completion of these naval acquisition
projects. However I am also conscious of the risks and challenges the projects
present, and I intend to keep a close eye on their progress,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
While in Ferrol, Mr Fitzgibbon also had the opportunity to meet Australian Defence
staff associated with the projects.
“We have a great team of Australian military and civilian personnel working on the
AWD and LHD projects, and I valued our discussions on how these are progressing,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon will now travel to Portugal for a counterpart visit, and from there travel
to London to attend the second Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial (AUKMIN) Talks
in Leeds, also attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith;
the Secretary for Defence, Mr Nick Warner; and Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief
Marshal Angus Houston.
Media contacts:
Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0408 116 423
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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