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 "S-80" is Commercial in Confidence and cannot be made available publically.

(3) Advantages: The design is under construction for another Navy, therefore Australia would not be the parent.

Disadvantages: The design is not at sea yet and is therefore unproven. The design does not meet Australia's broad needs as outlined in the Defence White Paper.