Minister for Defence Industry further develops relationship with France

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, met with General Laurent Collet-Billon, Chief Executive of Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), during his visit to Australia this week.

During the meeting, Minister Pyne and General Collet-Billon discussed the Federal Government’s Future Submarine Program and Defence industry policy initiatives.

Minister Pyne said the meeting was a valuable opportunity to discuss arrangements both countries have developed to implement and oversee cooperation on the Future Submarine Program.

“It was a pleasure to meet with General Collet-Billon who will play an important role in the Future Submarine Program as the Chief Executive of DGA,” Minister Pyne said.

“Our discussions have further cemented the relationship between Australia and France as we continue to make progress in developing and delivering Australia’s sovereign Future Submarine capability.”

The meeting with between Minister Pyne and General Collet-Billon focused on the key elements of cooperation that would maximise Australian industry involvement in the Future Submarine Program, including technology transfer and collaboration.

“The Future Submarine Program represents a long-term strategic partnership between Australia and France. It also represents a substantial investment in our nation’s defence capability and the Australian industry that will be involved in the construction and sustainment of the Future Submarine fleet,” Minister Pyne said.