US defence contractor Lockheed Martin will supply the combat systems for Australia’s new fleet of 12 French submarines, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said on Friday.
The Australian arm of the American defence giant defeated US rival Raytheon in a deal to fit out the A$50 billion (US$38 billion) vessels.
Lockheed Martin have won the tender for the combat system integrator role with the submarines
“Lockheed Martin have won the tender for the combat system integrator role with the submarines,” Pyne told reporters, adding that it was worth A$1.4 billion dollars.
Australia had also now agreed with DCNS to launch design and mobilisation work with a team heading to Cherbourg, France, while DNCS will boost its presence in Adelaide where the subs will be built. “It’s new jobs for Australians and new investment in our state,” Pyne said. “Infrastructure will start being built in 2017.”
Pyne said the Lockheed Martin contract will ensure around 200 skilled Australian jobs during the design and build phases while a total of 2,800 jobs will be linked to the overall Shortfin Barracuda programme.
Defence Minister Marise Payne released a statement saying: “By partnering with an Australian-based company with strong links to the US, we will ensure that we get the best Australian and US technology, while ensuring that our sensitive technology is protected.”