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DCNS signs first operational contract for Australian Future Submarine

By Ryan Maass
The contract with DCNS supports a massive overhaul of Australia's submarine capabilities. Photo courtesy of DCNS
The contract with DCNS supports a massive overhaul of Australia's submarine capabilities. Photo courtesy of DCNS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- French shipbuilder DCNS has signed the first operational contract to support the Australian Future Submarine Program.

The agreement is a "design and mobilization contract," and facilitates a number of activities between the Australian government and DCNS. Lockheed Martin has been selected to integrate combat systems.

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Australia's Future Submarine Project seeks to bolster the country's naval combat capabilities by providing new vessels. DCNS chairman and CEO Hervé Guillou called the first operational contract's signing a significant step forward for the project.

"DCNS is looking forward to a strategic and sustainable partnership with the Commonwealth of Australia, Lockheed Martin and Australian Industry," Guillou said in a press release. "This contract will allow DCNS to commence the initial phase of Australia's Future Submarine. DCNS is committed to ensuring that Australia has a regionally superior submarine constructed in Adelaide and develops a sovereign naval industry."

Australia's Future Submarine Program, also known as SEA1000, is the largest defense procurement project in the country's history. The government estimates the program represents a $50 billion investment.

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