Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne today confirmed that the Competitive Evaluation Processes have now commenced for the Future Frigates and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
“The Turnbull Government is committed to ensuring Australia has a strong and sustainable shipbuilding industry. We are getting on with the job,’’ Minister Payne said.
“Defence is now conducting an analysis of mature ship designs for each project.
“This approach will enable Government to better understand the options for delivery of these important ADF capabilities.”
In August, the Government announced the first programs to be delivered as part of the national shipbuilding strategy would be the Future Frigates, commencing in 2020, and the Offshore Patrol Vessels, commencing in 2018.
“These vessels will be the first in a continuous local shipbuilding program with construction of the Future Frigate being centred in Adelaide,” Minister Payne said.
Minister Payne today visited Adelaide shipyards to see the work being done on the Air Warfare Destroyer program and the sustainment program for the Collins Class submarine.
“The Adelaide shipbuilding and submarine sustainment workforce is world class. The announcements we have made on the Future Frigates will help secure thousands of jobs for the long-term.”
Minister Payne has also been engaging with local defence industry, which will be crucial to the success of shipbuilding in Australia.
“Delivery of a successful and sustainable shipbuilding industry plan requires changes in the way Defence and industry do business.
“This will ensure that we can acquire the best possible capability while maximising Australian industry involvement and minimising risk.”
AUS DoD (Minister for Defence)