Andrews checks out Germany subs

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews will tour a German submarine builder as the federal government shops around for a replacement for the navy's six Collins subs.

Mr Andrews is the first defence minister to visit Germany in more than 15 years and met with his counterpart Ursula von der Leyen.

Germany has been identified as a potential international partner for Australia's procurement of $50 billion worth of new submarines. Mr Andrews will visit the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems shipyards on Thursday.