May 3, 2012 defpro.com
ASC has welcomed the Australian Prime Minister’s support as part of funding announced today by the Federal Government to provide $214 million for the next stage of the Future Submarine project.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Defence Materiel and the South Australian Premier to ASC’s Adelaide site today, ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ludlam said the decision provides the impetus to industry to progress planning for the Future Submarine project.
“Australia has a world-class shipbuilding industry and this funding announcement allows the industry to progress planning and further build capability,” Mr Ludlam said.
“The Prime Minister’s acknowledgement today of ASC’s submarine sustainment activities and significant role in the Future Submarine project moving forward will enable us to progress confidently with our own preparations.
“ASC is already well advanced in building capability to support the Future Submarine project through our investment in Deep Blue Tech, a subsidiary set up to prepare for the project.”
Mr Ludlam said that ASC stands ready to support, and deliver, a successful future submarine program.
“The insights and learnings that can be taken from the Collins Class submarine project will be instrumental in the development of the future submarine, and to that end we have been working closely with the Government through the Coles Review.
“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Government to enhance and serve Australia’s defence capabilities in the most appropriate manner.”
Mr Ludlam has also been announced as a member of the Expert Industry Panel that would be charged with developing a Future Submarine Industry Skills Plan.
“Ensuring Australia builds and maintains a high level skill base to support the Future Submarine project will be critical to its success,” Mr Ludlam said.
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