Australia's submarine capability gap

The first submarine is not expected to be in service until 2035 at the earliest, which is far too late from both a strategic and an operational perspective and will likely leave our defence forces with a major capability gap.

The already excessive cost has blown out by 60% before even a preliminary design has been produced and at $80bn for design and construction and $225bn for total through life cost the submarines are outlandishly expensive.

The reason we build submarines in Australia is to be able to sustain them, while Naval Group will aim to maximise French industry involvement – currently without any competition in the process there is an inadequate level of engagement between Naval Group and Australian suppliers.