DCNS Offers To Give Complete Access To Submarine Stealth Tech To Australia

France is offering the Australian Government complete access to the stealth technologies utilised on board French nuclear-powered general-purpose attack submarines (SSNs) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

The very nature of these stealth technologies and the decision to release them to the Australian Government is a significant demonstration of the strategic nature of this program for the French authorities, DCNS said in a press statement Tuesday.

The United States will be responsible for supplying integrated combat systems to the Future Submarines, as well as the submarine’s weapons.

The collaboration between Australia, France and the United States will see DCNS providing design, technology and expertise within this sovereign framework.

DCNS will present three strategies to build Australia’s future submarines: The first option is to start the project in France and build all the submarines in Cherbourg, France. The second option combines the capacity of two shipyards, one in France and one in Adelaide. The third option is to start the project in Australia and build all the submarines in Adelaide.

Each option has different costs and benefits, and ultimately the choice of how the submarines will be built is a decision for the Australian Government to make.

For both options, dedicated programs and measures have been designed to transfer technology, expertise and knowledge to Australia. This technology transfer will prepare Australia for the future operation and maintenance of the submarines.

DCNS is pitching Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A submarine and offers to customize it as per the needs of the Australian Royal Navy.

The Shortfin Barracuda is 97 metres in length and displaces 4,500 tons when surfaced.