The British defence company BAE Systems has won the $35bn (£20bn) contract to build Australia’s fleet of new navy frigates.
The Australian government has announced that the company’s Type 26 Global Combat ship will be the design for the naval program. The nine new ships will be built in Adelaide and will be known as the Hunter class.
Malcolm Turnbull’s government said the program would create 4,000 jobs across the country and create unprecedented local and global opportunities for businesses large and small.
The British prime minister, Theresa May, said the export of a British design for the frigates would be an “enormous boost” for the UK economy and touted the deal as an example of opportunities that would open up for Britain after Brexit.
“The sheer scale and nature of this contract puts the UK at the very forefront of maritime design and engineering, and demonstrates what can be achieved by UK industry and government working hand-in-hand,” May said.
“We have always been clear that as we leave the EU we have an opportunity to build on our close relationships with allies like Australia. This deal is a perfect illustration that the government is doing exactly that.”
For more read the full of article at The Guardian
