Australia investigates navy contract padding for Adelaide class

An investigation has been opened by the Australian Defence Department over allegations that navy contracts were inflated with millions of dollars in unsubstantiated expenses.

An external investigator will examine reports that the contract for BAE Systems’ Adelaide-class frigates was inflated by up to AU$33 million (US$23 million) and that Thales was paid an extra AU$16 million as part of its maintenance contract for the vessels.