PARIS \u2014\u00a0DCNS filed a draft proposal at the end of September and aims to submit a final offer at the end of November in Australia’s tender for a new class of attack submarines, reported to be worth Aus $50 billion (US $36.3 billion), a spokesperson for the French naval shipbuilder said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology transfer will be part of the French offer of the concept vessel Shortfin Barracuda, a diesel-electric version of the Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine being built for the French Navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The transfer of technology will be complete, to allow Australia to meet its objective of sovereignty and independence,” the DCNS spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia’s Sea 1000 project to replace the Collins submarines has attracted competing bids from DCNS, a Japanese offer from Mitsubishi Heavy Industry and Kawasaki Shipbuilding, and German specialist ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The tender is for six to 12 units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A selection is expected by the middle of 2016, the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the key factors in the competitive <\/span>evaluation process:\u00a0technical performance of the subs, including stealth and undersea autonomy;\u00a0integration of a US combat system;\u00a0and local sustainability, including maintenance for some 50 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia will hold a tender for the combat system, with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon competing for a deal worth some $4 billion, website news.com.au reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major requirement is\u00a0setting out the three options of building the subs offshore, onshore, and on a hybrid basis, with the latter consisting of a mix of building units abroad and in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An offshore construction is seen as highly unlikely, given strong political pressure to generate local jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DCNS, which opened an office in Australia last year, proposes to create 2,900 local jobs if the French offer is\u00a0picked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The French shipbuilder is offering an initial block 1A version of the Shortfin in a government-to-government deal, with upgrades to block 1B, 1C and future standards, underpinning a pitch for a long-term bilateral relationship with Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n