https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-13/defence-minister-warns-france-over-80-billion-submarine-program/11963758 of February 13, 2020
and later report
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-14/future-submarines-job-uncertainty-for-australian-companies/11961886 of February 14, 2020
and later report
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-14/future-submarines-job-uncertainty-for-australian-companies/11961886 of February 14, 2020
Hi Pete
ReplyDeleteIs cancellation of contract with Naval Group possible? Is Japanese submarine a better option instead of French submarine, even if Australia pay compensation ?.
Regards
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI think he want to ask about industrial /shipbuilding capability and capacity of Australia.
Because I don't think situation going to change with Japanese or any other, if industrial capabilities to build a submarine in Aus is at nascent stage.
The article & warnings given refer to insufficient attention being given to local Australian firms in the potential supply chain. There have even been rumours of firms that are currently involved with Collins (& those that came before), being ignored or dismissed out of hand. The minister is quite in order to remind Naval Group that the Attack class is not intended as a French make work program (French government is majority owner). A sovereign capability means maximising local content & ability’s where possible. What makes the questioner think dealing with the Japanese would be any different?
ReplyDeleteYes, we are paying a premium for a custom designed submarine. But the quality of the people involved in the selection & in the overseeing body is exceptional. The French government is well aware that this is the premier conventional submarine contract anywhere in the world & they have put their name to it. Like the F35, it will be made deliver. If it doesn’t, the French President may even be persuaded to bring the guillotine out of retirement.
Hi Anonymous and Arpit Kanodia
ReplyDeleteI reply in my new article https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2020/02/australia-cannot-drop-french-contract.html of February 17, 2020.
Regards
Pete