"Getting the design right to meet the Royal Australian Navy's operational challenges is critical to the success of the program.
"The Turnbull Government's strong preference to ensure maximum Australian industry involvement in the submarine's design is an essential enabler for future construction and support phases of the program.
"As a highly experienced submarine designer, DCNS will bring to our nation the advanced design expertise necessary for Australian companies to upskill a workforce cadre able to meet the design requirements of our fleet of regionally superior submarines.
"Lockheed Martin Australia is recognised world-wide as a highly capable combat system provider and integrator. It has developed an impressive supply chain of Australian companies able to work effectively on the integration task. The announcement that around 200 Australian jobs will be created to work in the design and build phases of the program is pleasing.
"Today's announcement offers certainty to Australia's defence industry that the Turnbull Government is fair dinkum about its commitment to a healthy and vibrant advanced submarine industry in our nation," Mr Willox said.
Media Enquiries: Tony Melville – 0419 190 347
