The Albanese Government is enhancing Australia's fleet of Collins class submarines, through a life of type extension that will reduce risk, enhance capability and maximise availability for the Royal Australian Navy as Australia transitions to a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
The life of type extension will commence with HMAS Farncomb at the end of the month, the first of six submarines to receive an extension. ASC, as the Government's sovereign submarine sustainment partner, will continue to be responsible for delivering the program.
Informed by independent expert advice, detailed planning and industry engagement Defence will undertake a conditions-based sustainment approach across the life of type extension program. This will see Defence and ASC retain and restore base components, while continuing to upgrade critical weapons and systems.
This will reduce engineering and schedule risks and ensure the Collins class remains a formidable deterrent for years to come.
As one of the oldest boats in the Collins class fleet with the highest number of sea days and distance travelled, HMAS Farncomb's life of type extension will also include a detailed engineering assessment period to tailor its life of type extension upgrades and inform work required across the class.
The program will also accelerate and prioritise sustainment work on the fleet's youngest submarines, commencing with HMAS Rankin.
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, including life of type extension maintenance and the skilled workforce and infrastructure required to maintain this capability.
In 2024, the Government listed the Collins class submarine capability as a Product of Concern to increase ministerial oversight and management of the capability. This is now driving improvements in process and productivity across Defence and industry.
Defence industry will continue to play a central role, with both Osborne in South Australia and Henderson in Western Australia remaining integral to sustaining the Collins class fleet.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
"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.
"Extending the life of all six Collins class submarines is critical to maintaining that edge as we transition the Navy from conventional to nuclear-powered submarines."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy:
"The Collins life of type extension is a critical capability decision and a major investment in Australia's sovereign defence industrial base and submarine supply chain.
"Strong collaboration with Defence industry partners will be essential to keeping the Collins class fleet available as we move towards a nuclear-powered submarine capability."
