Defence looking at alternatives to French submarines in case $90 billion program falters
The Defence Secretary says he is thinking more about alternative submarine options, as tensions with the French company designing Australia's future fleet continue to simmer. Key points: The head of the Defence department says there is "prudent" planning on what should happen if the program fails He says the government is committed to the plan to build the French submarines in Adelaide Scott Morrison is expected to hold further talks about the program with the French President later this month Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss growing concerns over the $90 billion project directly with French President Emmanuel Macron when he travels to Paris later this month. At a Senate estimates hearing on Wednesday, Defence officials were extensively quizzed about what "Plan B" options were being looked at if the project with France's Naval Group company faltered. Under questioning by Labor senator Penny Wong, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty revealed he had "certainly thought more about this issue over the past 12 months" but declined to discuss what options were being discussed. In March, the ABC revealed a powerful new Cabinet committee had been formed to tackle problems with Australia's multi-billion-dollar Naval Shipbuilding Plan amid concerns over the complex future submarine and frigate projects.
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