Defence Minister Christopher Pyne says Future Subs to be known as Attack class variety at ceremony

The Adelaide-built Future Submarines fleet will be known as the Attack class, named for their lethality.

• Christopher Pyne: Coast is clear for new frigates and subs
• Strategic Partnering Agreement with France’s Naval Group

The Adelaide-built Future Submarines fleet will be known as the Attack class, named for their lethality.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said the first submarine will be called the HMAS Attack, and the class would represent the “inherent stealth, long-range endurance and lethality of a submarine”.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne leading the a sod-turning ceremony at Osborne on Thursday. AAP Image/David Mariuz

He turned the first sod on the site of the Future Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne on Thursday, where he also announced that the overarching contract for the project had been agreed on.

The Commonwealth and Naval Group — who are designing and building the submarines — got mired in negotiations which threatened to drag on, but Mr Pyne says they are now resolved and the contract for the $50 billion project will be signed early next year.

That Strategic Partnering Agreement will govern the delivery of the Attack class, he said.

The Federal Government has also signed off on the Future Frigates (now known as the Hunter class).

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne speaking at the ceremony on Thursday. AAP Image/David Mariuz

That $30 billion project had a much smoother contract process than the submarines.

The contract between the Commonwealth and ASC Shipbuilding (for now a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia) was signed yesterday.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said the Attack class would “meet the Navy’s capability needs and help protect our security and prosperity for decades to come”.

The 12-strong fleet will have to evade anti-submarine warships, while garnering information in the region and taking on enemies if necessary.