The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Yes.

(2) The cost estimate provided to Defence by the supplier of "Scorpène" is commercial-in-confidence and cannot be made available publically.

(3) Advantages:   Proven design and possibly a relatively shorter delivery time compared with some other potential options.

  Disadvantages: The design does not meet Australia's broad needs as outlined in the Defence White Paper.