Login
iscover
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy confirmed that the government has approved a life-of-type extension program for Australia’s six Collins Class submarines while scrapping a planned optronics upgrade and ruling out the deployment of Tomahawks on the boats.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Making the announcement, the Commonwealth confirmed that the life-of-type extension (LOTE) will be completed by ASC in Osborne, with the sustainability and capability enhancement scheduled to begin in 2026.
However, a release from Minister Pat Conroy detailed that the Commonwealth had also scrapped a planned optronics upgrade for the systems, citing “complexity and risk” to the life-of-type program. The Commonwealth also ruled out using the optronics capability on the future SSN-AUKUS.
The government further confirmed that it would not seek to use Tomahawk cruise missiles on the Collins Class boats, suggesting that it does not represent value for money for Defence.
The announcement is not expected to impact the fitting of Tomahawk missiles on the Virginia Class submarines that Australia is projected to receive in the early 2030s, or the agreed use of Tomahawk cruise missiles on Hobart Class Destroyers. The Commonwealth maintains that it has agreed in principal to fit the Hunter Class with Tomahawks.
The HMAS Farncomb will be the first submarine to undergo the sustainment and capability enhancement, which forms part of the Commonwealth’s $4 to $5 billion commitment to the Collins Class.
Minister Conroy assuaged concerns over the ageing ships, noting that they remain ready to meet Defence’s needs.
“The life-of-type extension program underscores the Albanese government’s unwavering commitment to keeping Australians safe by ensuring the ADF has the capabilities it needs to deter potential adversaries,” Minister Conroy said.
“Sustainment of the Collins Class submarines continues to meet the Navy’s operational requirements and ensures the submarines remain an enduring, potent, and credible capability that is critical to Australia’s national security.
“The sustainment and upgrade work on the Collins Class submarines give industry the certainty it needs and will provide a further boost for Australians who will benefit from the creation of highly skilled and well-paid jobs.”
