Four Collins-class submarines are pictured in formation as they transit through Cockburn Sound on the coast of Western Australia. The last Collins-class boat is scheduled to be operated by the RAN into the early 2040s. (Australian Department of Defence)
Australia's Department of Defence (DoD) has highlighted its growing concerns about the project to sustain the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) six 3,100 tonne Collins-class submarines.
The DoD said on 13 December that the project has been listed as a ‘product of concern', a categorisation that it said enables an enhanced level of ministerial oversight. The DoD also said it will develop a plan to remediate the project.
“The Collins-class sustainment programme has experienced challenges in recent years,” the DoD said.
“With the submarines required to operate beyond their original design life, it is essential that increased sustainment requirements are met to ensure the Collins-class remains an effective and formidable capability until it is withdrawn from service.
“[The DoD] will now develop a remediation plan as a priority.”
The DoD did not elaborate, but it did confirm that these plans will include a life-of-type extension (LOTE) programme, announced by the DoD in early June.
Under the LOTE, HMAS Farncomb – the second Collins-class submarine commissioned in December 1998 – will be the first of the type to undergo sustainment and capability enhancement from mid-2026. This will would be undertaken by state-owned ASC.
Announcing the LOTE, the DoD also confirmed that the Collins-class submarines will not be equipped with the Tomahawk cruise missile because “it does not represent value for money”.
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