Senate debates Questions on Notice
Defence: Submarines (Question No. 646)
David Johnston WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 29 April 2011:
(1) Has the Spanish S-80 Class (or an export variant) submarine been considered as a military off-the-shelf [MOTS] replacement for the Collins Class submarine.
(2) What would be the estimated cost of purchasing 12 of this class of submarine as the 'new' submarine.
(3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing this class of submarine.
Chris Evans WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate
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.