Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is set to sign an inter-governmental agreement with France's defence minister for Australia's submarine building project.
Jean-Yves Le Drian and Mr Turnbull are expected to meet in Adelaide on Tuesday to complete the formal paperwork.
Mr Le Drian had talks on Monday with his ministerial counterpart Marise Payne.
The pair were keen to emphasise security of information would be a top priority for both countries, following the leak of data from French shipbuilder DCNS.
Mr Le Drian said France was implementing highly sophisticated data and physical security measures.
The 12 new submarines DCNS is designing will be constructed in Adelaide, with the first set to enter service in the early 2030s.
Work is set to start in Adelaide in 2022. DCNS estimates the project will sustain 2900 jobs, including 600 in the supply chain.
The overall project is worth $50 billion and is Australia's largest defence procurement project.
