Australia Govt. signs $1.4 billion contract to upgrade Collins-class Submarines

Australia has signed a A$2.2 billion ($1.4 billion) four-year contract with state-owned submarine builder ASC to upgrade its Collins-class submarines. The “sustainment contract” is part of the government’s commitment to maintain the diesel-electric powered Collins-class fleet as a potent strike and deterrence capability.

Australian Collins-class Submarines: The Collins-class submarines are Australian-built diesel-electric submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).  They are named after Vice Admiral Sir John Augustine Collins, a distinguished figure in the RAN. The Collins-class submarines are undergoing a life-of-type extension (LOTE) at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia.

This upgrade will extend their service life into the 2040s, ensuring they remain a crucial asset for the RAN while Australia transitions to nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

The Australian government’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading the Collins-class diesel-electric submarine fleet stems from a few key reasons like Regional Security, Strategic Advantage, Bridging the Gap, Cost-Effectiveness and Sovereign Capability

By investing in the upgrade of the Collins-class submarines, the Australian government is not only ensuring the continued effectiveness of its current submarine fleet but also reinforcing its commitment to regional security and a strong defense capability.

About the contractor ASC Pty Ltd:

ASC Pty Ltd (formerly known as Australian Submarine Corporation) is a government-owned Australian defense contractor specializing in the construction and sustainment of submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. Established in 1985, ASC played a pivotal role in building Australia’s first sovereign-built submarine fleet, the Collins-class submarines.

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