Sydney, Australia – July 29, 2024 – The Australian government has committed A$2.2 billion ($1.4 billion) to upgrade its Collins-class submarines, securing the future of the diesel-electric fleet until the arrival of the planned nuclear-powered vessels.
The four-year sustainment contract, awarded to state-owned submarine builder ASC, will safeguard over 1,100 jobs at the company’s facilities in Henderson, Western Australia, and Osborne, South Australia.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining the Collins-class submarines as a crucial component of Australia’s naval strike capability. The fleet is expected to remain operational until the 2040s.
The Osborne shipyard, where the contract work will be carried out, is also the designated construction site for Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.
This investment underscores the Australian government’s determination to ensure a seamless transition between the existing and next-generation submarine fleets.
