Australian government boosts submarine fleet

Australia said on Saturday it had signed a A$2.2 billion ($1.4 billion) four-year agreement with state-owned submarine maker ASC to boost the navy’s Collins class submarines.

The Australian government has announced a “sustainment contract” aimed at maintaining the operational effectiveness of its diesel-electric powered Collins-class submarine fleet.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving these submarines as “a potent strike and deterrence capability.”

Job Security for Skilled Workers

The sustainment contract will secure the employment of over 1,100 highly skilled workers. The maintenance and related work will be carried out in Henderson, Western Australia, and Osborne, South Australia.

Osborne: A Hub for Submarine Construction and Maintenance

Osborne is also set to become a pivotal site for Australia’s future naval capabilities. It will host the construction of the country’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with Britain’s BAE Systems and ASC.

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This fleet is the centerpiece of the 2021 AUKUS pact involving Britain, the U.S., and Australia. While the construction of these new submarines is slated to begin later this decade, Osborne will continue to serve as the primary maintenance hub for the existing Collins-class fleet in the interim.

Financial Commitment to Submarine Capabilities

Minister Conroy stated that the sustainment contract is part of the centre-left government’s broader financial commitment, ranging from A$4 billion to A$5 billion, to ensure the continued operation and enhancement of the Collins-class submarines through the 2040s.

This contract not only underscores the strategic importance of the Collins-class fleet but also highlights the government’s dedication to sustaining critical defence jobs and capabilities as it transitions to a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.