Major overhaul to planned upgrades of Australia’s ageing Collins-class submarines ahead of AUKUS
Defence has dramatically changed course as doubts grow over how long the 30-year-old Collins-class fleet can stay afloat.
Planned upgrades for Australia’s Collins-class submarines to extend their service life will be dramatically wound back, with not all six of the ageing boats to receive new motors and engines before they’re eventually replaced by a nuclear-powered fleet.
The defence minister has announced the government will instead pursue an “enhanced sustainment” approach where HMAS Farncomb, one of the oldest boats, will begin a “Life of Type Extension” within days, before other submarines are individually assessed.
Addressing the Lowy Institute, Richard Marles has confirmed the LOTE program will begin at the end of the month and cost $11 billion for the entire Collins fleet but will instead use a conditions-based approach assessing each individual submarine.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“This will see a pivot in our approach that reduces risk, upgrades capability and maximises availability for the Navy. We will prioritise sustainment and accelerate upgrades for the fleet’s youngest submarines.”
“The program will reduce engineering risk by sustaining existing systems where appropriate while continuing to upgrade critical capabilities, including weapons and combat systems.”
“It has the transition to our future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines as a key consideration,” Mr Marles told his Melbourne audience.
Under the massive AUKUS endeavour, Australia is hoping to extend the life of its Collins-class fleet, which began entering service 30 years ago, by another decade before the Navy transitions to Virginia-class nuclear boats from the United States in the 2030s.
Defence says a “detailed engineering assessment period” will be carried out on HMAS Farncomb to tailor its life of type extension upgrades and to “inform work required across the class”.
The government insists safety will not be compromised and the Collins class will be supported by increased investment of up to $11 billion over the next decade for sustainment and LOTE maintenance.
A classified review written by US expert Gloria Valdez in 2023 for the Albanese government is believed to have recommended that Australia not undertake complete upgrades on all six of its ageing Collins-class boats before they’re retired in the 2040s.
“These decisions reaffirm the Albanese Government’s commitment to keeping the Collins class a potent and highly capable strike and deterrent capability today, and for years to come,” Mr Marles said.
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson has taken aim at the Albanese government’s announcement, accusing Mr Marles of failing to properly secure enough funding for military projects.
“Richard Marles has used the cover of a remarkably partisan and defensive speech to admit a major descoping of the Collins class life of type extension. As is often the case, he’s failed to provide the details transparently to the public.”
“Which aspects of upgrades previously planned are now being abandoned? And how much is the Albanese government cutting from the program?,” Senator Paterson demanded to know.
“If Richard Marles put as much energy into persuading his expenditure review committee colleagues as he does attacking the previous government, maybe the ADF wouldn’t have to absorb as many cuts to capability as it has on his watch.”
