Submarine combat system integrator Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a deal with Safran Electronics and Defense Australasia for design of key components of Australia’s 12 new Attack class submarines.

In an October 8 ministerial release, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the agreement would support the operation and sustainment of the Attack class while maximising the involvement of Australian industry.

“It is the first major equipment design sub-contract awarded by Lockheed Martin Australia as the combat system integrator for the Attack class,” the ministerial announcement reads. “This includes the design of the Optronics Search and Attack, Navigation Radar and Navigation Data Distribution subsystems.

“These are vital components of the combat system suite and builds on work Safran already conducts in Australia in the defence and civilian sectors.”

Lockheed Martin Australia was selected as the combat system integrator for the 12 Future Submarine being acquired under Project SEA 1000. The complex combat system links the submarine sensors and weapons and is forecast to cost about one-fifth of the projected $50 billion total project cost,

The Ministers said during the design phase, Safran would engage Australian suppliers Acacia Systems and Thomas Global Systems to provide design services, and that, in the future, Safran will establish a local capability for the production, integration and support of these sub-systems in Sydney.