David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 29 April 2011:

(1) Has the HDW 209 Class (or an export variant) submarine been considered as a military off-the-shelf [MOTS] replacement for the Collins Class submarine.

(2) What would be the estimated cost of purchasing 12 of this class of submarine as the 'new' submarine.

(3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing this class of submarine.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The HDW Type 209 class of submarine is a 1960s vintage design that has not been offered to Australia and is not among the submarines considered as an off-the-shelf option for the Future Submarines.

(2) No estimate is available.

(3) No assessment has been made.