Italian Navy’s FREMM frigate ITS Carabiniere arrived in Western Australia on Wednesday with Italian defense industry representatives aboard.
Carabiniere docked in Fremantle where Fincantieri representatives will meet with Australian naval shipbuilding companies and the local supply chain, who are vying for a share of a multi-billion dollar defence program.
Fincantieri is one of three European ship designers shortlisted to refine its FREMM Frigate design for the RAN SEA5000 Future Frigates program.
The visit will also allow Fremantle locals to see the anti-submarine warship up close.
Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, meeting with Fincantieri on Wednesday, said the Australian government was modernising its naval capabilities by replacing the existing Anzac-class frigate fleet with nine anti-submarine warfare frigates.
“The Future Frigate program is worth about $30 billion and there is an expectation that WA industry will contribute to the build and sustainment of the project,” he said.
“Fincantieri will hold an industry briefing on February 2 to gain a greater understanding of the State’s shipbuilding capabilities and include local suppliers in its procurement supply chain, if it becomes the successful tenderer.
“WA has demonstrated a strong commitment to our national naval defence and our local industry is ready to take part in this important naval project.