The information you offer the public regarding Malaysia's purchase of submarines is not correct.

The 'Scorpene' submarine was designed and is owned by both Spain's Izar and France's DCN, which are two independent companies. This is a good example of European industrial cooperation among friendly partners: Spain and France.

Izar and the Spanish shipbuilding industry have a prestigious reputation on its own: another Asean country, for instance, has an aircraft carrier totally built in Spain by Izar, other countries also buy Izar ships.

The submarines the Royal Malaysian Navy will receive will be built simultaneously in Cartagena, Spain, and Cherbourg, France. This is possible thanks to the advanced technology both companies are able to make use of. On the other hand, Malaysian officials will not only go to France for training, but also to Spain.

I hope this information clarifies further the issue and helps the Malaysian public to better understand the important deal the Malaysian Ministry of Defence has signed with Izar, DCN and Perimekar Sdn Bhd.