Collins concerns: Australian submarines face upgrade challenge

HMAS Waller sails through Sydney Harbour as the boat prepares to berth at Fleet Base East, Sydney. Commissioned in July 1999, HMAS Waller is the third of six RAN Collins-class submarines. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Although planning is well-advanced for the Life of Type Extension (LOTE) planned for all six of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) conventionally powered Collins-class submarines, some question marks hang over the schedule and implementation of the multibillion-dollar programme.

The LOTE will keep the Collins-class boats operationally capable and available into the 2040s, supporting the RAN's transition to nuclear-powered submarines, initially with three Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) acquired from the United States as soon as the early 2030s, while retaining the option to seek two more if needed.

In addition, construction of Australia's first SSN-AUKUS, based on the UK's next-generation design and incorporating technology from all three AUKUS partner countries (Australia, the UK, and US), will begin at Osborne in South Australia at the end of this decade. Delivery of the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS to the RAN is anticipated in the early 2040s.

According to briefing papers compiled by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), established in July 2023 and responsible for the management and oversight of the country's nuclear-powered submarine programme, the continuation of a viable Collins-class capability is critical to the delivery of a nuclear-powered submarine capability for Australia.

“The upkeep, update, upgrade, and life-extension of the Collins-class submarines, including submarine combat systems and submarine escape, rescue, and abandonment systems are key enablers for the optimal pathway for nuclear-powered submarines,” the briefing papers said.