French shipbuilder DCNS on Wednesday said leak of sensitive data on building Scorpene submarine was "serious matter," and that investigation would determine the damage and the who were behind the affair.

"DCNS has been made aware of articles published in the Australian press related to the leakage of sensitive data about Indian Scorpene," the Paris-based company sais in a statement.

"This serious matter is thoroughly investigated by the proper French national authorities for Defense Security. This investigation will determine the exact nature of the leaked documents, the potential damages to DCNS customers as well as the responsibilities for this leakage," it added.

An Australian newspaper published Wednesday more than 22,000 pages relating to the submarine's combat capabilities. The documents also showed their technical manuals and models of the boat's antennae.

The Scorpene submarines are being built and integrated at Mazagon Docks Ltd. in Mumbai in India's western state of Maharashtra, with the technological and financial support of DCNS.

The data leak raised concern over security of the company's big projects and may affect other contract notably the "historic" 40-billion-U.S.-dollar accord to build a fleet of 12 new submarines for Australia.

Officials from the defense ministry were not immediately available to comment.

At a daily e-press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman said Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault did not talk with his Australian counterpart about the issue.

Reports said the leaked document did not contain details on the submarines designed for Australia.

Source : XINHUA