A multi-billion-dollar overhaul of Australia's fleet of Collins class submarines will begin in Adelaide at the end of this month, as the nation prepares for construction of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine fleet in South Australia.
HMAS Farncomb, one of the oldest boats in the Collins class fleet with the highest number of sea days will be the first of six submarines to receive a major upgrade under the life of type extension program announced by the Albanese Federal Government.
The program will also accelerate and prioritise sustainment work on the fleet's youngest submarines, commencing with HMAS Rankin.
Adelaide based ASC will be responsible for delivering the program, which will see the Federal Government invest up to $11 billion over the next decade into sustainment of the Collins Class submarines and the skilled workforce and infrastructure required to maintain this capability.
ASC is based at Osborne and employs more than 2000 South Australian workers.
The continuous naval shipbuilding in South Australia ensures we can continue to train and upskill the local workforce as we prepare for the future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS program.
The life of type extension will reduce engineering risk by sustaining existing systems where appropriate while continuing to upgrade critical capabilities, including weapons and combat systems.
This will maximise availability for the Royal Australian Navy as Australia transitions to a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
The commencement of the Collins class life of type extension program at Osborne is great news for South Australian workers, industry and the long-term future of our defence sector.
This work is in addition to the work already underway at Osborne to construct Hunter-class frigates, and is a necessary precursor to South Australians building nuclear-powered AUKUS submarines.
This development only underscores the importance of the work we are already undertaking to train and grow our shipbuilding workforce.
As put by Chris Picton
The Malinauskas Labor Government is continuing to work closely with the Albanese Government to grow our sovereign defence industry capability.
This is creating highly skilled, well-paid jobs and secure long-term economic opportunities for South Australians.
The life of type extension will ensure we continue to have the capability this country needs as we transition to our AUKUS program and importantly, this work will be happening in SA.
