Both the Turnbull government and the Defence Department have flatly rejected there is any delay. Documents released under freedom of information show that at least as far back as late 2013, Defence was anticipating a late 2030s delivery and extending the life of the existing Collins Class fleet to bridge the gap. Defence Force chief Mark Binskin rejects suggestions that any delay would help the Japanese bid to build Australia's new submarine fleet. Credit: Damian Pawlenko, Department of Defence The white paper released last week states that the first submarines were "likely to begin entering service in the early 2030s". However, Sean Costello, CEO of French bidder DCNS Australia, indicated to Fairfax Media that the firm could beat the early 2030s deadline if it was asked to carry out a "hybrid" build. Each of the bidders has been asked to prepare three options under Defence's "competitive evaluation program" – building in Australia, building overseas, or a hybrid option in which the first and possibly the second boat is built offshore and the rest in Australia.

Mr Costello said that "all the schedules we've proposed are within the timeframe set by the white paper". He added that "I can confirm that of the build options sought by the Australian government, DCNS is able to deliver earlier in the hybrid build than in the all-Australian build" – indicating that the hybrid could be done earlier than the 2030s. DCNS has previously said that a hybrid option would deliver the same number of jobs to Australia – about 2900 – as an entirely onshore option but would be faster because the local infrastructure could be built at the same time the first boat or two are being constructed in France. John White, chairman of German shipbuilder TKMS Australia, said he applauded the white paper's 2030 timeline but also said that his firm could deliver earlier. "This is a long, complex project and in any such project, it's prudent to have a few years' contingency in the schedule. Defence is to be applauded for that. The Germans have a proven track record of delivery and if selected the Germans could deliver early and that would lead to a saving."

He said that would be the case whichever of the three build options the government asks for. A spokesman for Japanese builder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would not comment on specific dates but said: "MHI will respond to whatever the Australian government requires in terms of the timing". The Chief of the Defence Force, Mark Binskin, this week rejected suggestions that any delay would help the Japanese who, as new players in major defence exports, are seen by some in the defence industry as needing more time. "No. You'll have different contractors throwing in their views on all this but the answer's no, not at all," Air Chief Marshal Binskin said. Follow us on Twitter