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Royal Australian Navy rules out French and Spanish submarine designs

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World Navy Force News - Australia
 
 
 
Royal Australian Navy rules out French and Spanish submarine designs
 
Australian Defence officials have revealed that at least two possible contenders for the navy's new submarine fleet, the Spanish S-80 and French Scorpene class boat, have been ruled out of the future submarine project.

Answering questions on notice from Opposition spokesman David Johnston, Defence said both vessels did not meet "Australia's broad needs as outlined in the Defence White Paper".

They are smaller than the Collins and the White Paper calls for 12 larger submarines to cost up to $36 billion.
     
Australian Defence officials have revealed that at least two possible contenders for the navy's new submarine fleet, the Spanish S-80 and French Scorpene class boat, have been ruled out of the future submarine project.
Collins class submarine
(Picture: US Navy)

     
Navantia's design, the S-80, displaces 2,400 tons submerged. French shipbuilder DCNS' design, the Scorpene, displaces between 1,500 and 2,000 tons depending on configuration.

Collins class submarines currently used in the Royal Australian Navy displace 3,300 tons

A decision on the direction of the future submarine project is due to be made late this year or early in 2012.