As a major player in the defence sector in both France and Australia, Thales is delighted that DCNS has been selected, after an international competitive evaluation process, as the international partner of the Australian Ministry of Defence for the renewal of its submarine fleet (SEA 1000 programme).
Thales is DCNS's main shareholder (35%) alongside the French state and is a major defence contractor in Australia, with a local workforce of more than 3,200 employees. Thales already provides acoustic sensors (sonars) to both DCNS and the Royal Australian Navy.
The SEA 1000 programme is the largest acquisition project in the history of Australian defence, representing an investment of around 34 billion euros.
The announcement was made by the Australian Prime Minister the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon. Christopher Pyne and The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett.
The Australian Government stated: “The decision was driven by DCNS’s ability to best meet all of the Australian Government’s requirements. These included superior sensor performance and stealth characteristics, as well as range and endurance similar to the Collins Class submarine. The Government’s considerations also included cost, schedule, program execution, through-life support and Australian industry involvement.”
“This success has been made possible thanks to the strong teamwork between the French Authorities, DCNS and our industrial partners,” said DCNS Chairman and CEO, Mr Herve Guillou.
“France and Australia have been allies for more than 100 years and we look forward to further strengthening this time honoured relationship and honouring the trust the Australian Commonwealth Government is placing in us for this ground breaking project,” Mr Guillou said.