Australia’s Future submarine program reached a major international milestone recently, with the opening of its office in Cherbourg, France.
The official opening was welcomed by partners to the Australian Department of Defence, Lockheed Martin Australia and Naval Group, who are working with the government in Australia’s largest defence capital program in history. The program will see the delivery of 12 region all superior submarines to the Royal Australian Navy.
Opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, ‘Hughes House’ will provide research and development space for Submarine designers, naval architects and engineers in a tripartite secure facility. With more than 50 Australians working with Naval Group and Lockheed Martin Australia employees to progress the development of the Future Submarine. It is this collaboration along with the integral role that Australian industry will play that will underpin the ability of Australia to maintain and operate the Future Submarines with sovereignty, throughout their life.
The design of the Future Submarine is already well underway, with the government keen to engage with industry, and to this end there are a number of industry briefings being hosted across all states and territories, reaching more than 850 Australian companies, and detailing how they can become involved.
“Today marks an important and tangible milestone for the program as the facility allows all three partners to work together in a modern and highly secure environment to further enhance and develop the already close partnership,” said Herve Guillou, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Naval Group.
“We are looking forward to establishing an Australian workforce in Cherbourg to develop the skills and understanding required to establish a regionally superior submarine and develop a sovereign Australian industrial capability.”
“At Lockheed Martin Australia, we are proud to partner with the Australian Government and Naval Group to deliver a regionally superior, sovereign, sustainable submarine program,” said Vince Di Pietro AM, Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Australia & New Zealand.
“This office will provide a collaboration space for the Naval Group and Lockheed Martin Australia to work closely with our Australian Government partners to provide the best possible submarine fleet to provide protection for Australia’s trade and assure the nation’s maritime security.”
The facility is named for Rear Admiral ‘Oscar’ Hughes, AO, RAN and his invaluable role in Australia’s submarine history as Director of the Collins Submarine Project.
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