Sub security top priority for France, Aust

Defence Minister Marise Payne says security of information on new submarines is top priority for both Australia and France following the leak of data from French shipbuilder DCNS.

Senator Payne told a media conference with visiting French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian security was a first order issue for both countries.

Mr Le Drian, who will sign the inter-governmental agreement on the project with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, said France was implementing highly sophisticated data and physical security measures.