ATTACK CLASS FUTURE SUBMARINES

Australia’s new future submarines will be known as the Attack class. Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the first submarine will be called HMAS Attack and will be delivered to the Navy in the early 2030s. “The Attack class represents the inherent stealth, long-range endurance and lethality of a submarine,” said Minister Pyne. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, said the Attack class will provide Australia with a regionally superior submarine. “The Attack class will meet the Navy’s capability needs and help protect our security and prosperity for decades to come,” said Vice Admiral Noonan “I can also announce the negotiations between the Commonwealth and Naval Group on all key provisions of the Strategic Partnering Agreement (SPA) have been completed,” Minister Pyne said. “I congratulate everyone involved in achieving this significant milestone.” The SPA will be signed in early 2019 and will govern the delivery of the Attack class over the decades to come. “Work on the design of the Attack class will continue without interruption under the Design and Mobilisation Contract which was signed on 30 September 2016.” The full range of other activities required to deliver this major program, including the development of the submarine construction yard, and the ongoing engagement of Australian industry to achieve Australian sovereignty, are also continuing