Reimagining the Collins Class fleet’s operational posture

Identifying a stop-gap solution ahead of delivery of Australia’s next-generation fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, promised under AUKUS, is a key priority of the Albanese government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has said the government is “open minded” regarding a stop-gap solution, adding “all possibilities are on the table”.

This is expected to include upgrades to the existing Collins Class fleet, which will remain in service for at least a decade.

“Extending their life is inevitably going to be part of the process of filling whatever capability gap might arise, and it’s why we are really looking at how we can get the new generation of submarines sooner rather than later,” Minister Marles told the ABC in late August.

The deputy PM has not ruled out proceeding with the life-of-type extensions (LOTE) for the Collins Class fleet, promised by the former government.

The Collins LOTE program would involve rebuilding each submarine once it achieves 30 years of service, with each upgrade scheduled to take approximately two years.

The submarines would reportedly be rebuilt by ASC in Adelaide, with the work to be supported by Saab Kockums, the original co-builder of the fleet. 

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But according to James Garlick, a PhD student at the University of Newcastle, the government should look beyond extending the life of the Collins Class fleet.

Garlick calls for a rethink of the fleet’s operational posture, claiming the diesel-powered submarines should be supported with offensive capabilities.

He proposes two options for policymakers to consider, including equipping the Royal Australian Navy with a submarine tender, like the USS Frank Cable. 

This would extend the range of the Collins Class fleet, currently limited by refuelling requirements.

“A tender would be a powerful force multiplier because it would permit the Collins to be forward-deployed to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island or Manus Island,” Garlick writes.

“Currently, the offensive utility of the Collins is limited by its slow transit speed and relatively short range.

“Forward-basing them at these locations would shave almost 2,000 nautical miles off the transit to the South China Sea, thus reducing the transit time to patrol areas and increasing the time the submarines can spend on mission.”

According to Garlick, this would “save considerable wear and tear” on the ageing platforms.

However, he concedes forward basing may catch the ire of Australia’s neighbours.

As such, the move would require “diplomatic smoothing” with the likes of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The second option proposed by Garlick to strengthen the Collins Class fleet’s offensive posture is equipping the platforms with Tomahawk missiles.

“Arming the Collins with Tomahawks is possible and would drastically enhance the submarines’ offensive firepower,” he writes.

“The Collins is equipped with 21-inch torpedo tubes for the Mk48 torpedo, similar to those that could launch earlier versions of the Tomahawk. 

“Reports suggest there would be few complications in equipping the Collins with Tomahawks.”

The academic backs the integration of Block V missiles, which boast a range of more than 900 nautical miles — triple the range of long-range anti-ship missiles (LRASMs).

“Coupled with forward-basing, Tomahawks will give the Collins the ability to project power into the South China Sea, providing a deterrent effect and the ability to add to allied offensive forces in a conflict,” he adds.

Garlick contends that both the delivery of a submarine tender and the integration of Tomahawk missiles “could be made quickly and cost-effectively”, noting the RAN’s new replenishment ship, HMAS Supply, was “laid down and commissioned in less than three years”.

Any considerations of upgrades to Australia’s Collins Class vessels would likely be subject to the Albanese government’s Defence Strategic Review, touted as the largest assessment of the Australian Defence Force’s structure, force posture and ­preparedness in 35 years.

According to the Terms of Reference, the review would include considerations of the “priority of investment” in Defence capabilities.

Led by former chief of the defence force, retired Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, and former Labor defence minister Stephen Smith, the review aims to “identify and prioritise” the estate, infrastructure, disposition, logistics and security investments required to “provide Australia with the Defence force posture required by 2032-33”.

This would involve considering “all elements of the Integrated Investment Program” and issuing recommendations for “the program’s reprioritisation” in response to recently announced “large-scale projects”.

The leads have been tasked with outlining the investments required to support Defence preparedness and mobilisation needs to 2032-33, as well as the associated funding needs.

Recommendations are due to be handed down in March 2023 in time for the National Security Committee of Cabinet.

This is expected to coincide with the release of findings from the Nuclear Submarine Taskforce’s 18-month review.

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