Australian Navy To Commence Major Overhaul Of Its Ageing Collins-Class Submarines

Australia is planning to upgrade its old Collins-class submarines, with work expected to commence by the end of this month.

This is necessary to prevent a gap in its undersea capabilities before it procures new nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S under the AUKUS security pact.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the first submarine to undergo refurbishment will be the HMAS Farncomb, which displaces 3100 tones when surfaced and 3,353 long tons when submerged.

The project will extend the service life of the 6 submarines belonging to the Collins-class by a decade. Built to operate for 30 years and nearing the end of its life, the HMAS Farcomb will be repaired and upgraded to remain in service until 2036.

The refurbishment program is a part of a $11 billion plan to keep the diesel-electric submarines functional into the 2040s while Australia waits for U.S-built Virginia class nuclear submarines, which are expected to be delivered in the coming decade.

Marles spoke at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, stating that work would commence immediately, and the program would reduce engineering work and risks by upgrading existing systems, such as combat and weapon controls, without building anything new.

As per the plan, three submarines will undergo maintenance at any one time, while the others will remain operational so the Royal Australian Navy has at least 2 active submarines at all times.

The overhaul of one submarine will take two years, as Australia cancelled the earlier decision to replace the diesel engines and generators of all the submarines.

The government and ASC Pty Ltd will handle every submarine individually and work on whatever systems need maintenance, repair and replacement.

This comes after a review of the submarines by former U.S. Navy official Gloria Valdez, who assured that the subs could remain in service for another decade without any major additions or engine replacements.

Under AUKUS, Australia will procure its first Virginia-class nuclear submarine in 2032, the second in 2036 and the third in 2040, after which it plans to build 5 nuclear-powered submarines at home.