Defence has committed $6 billion to refit all six Collins Class submarines amid ongoing concerns over the FOC timeline for the future Attack Class fleet.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton has confirmed that approximately $6 billion would be invested in a life-of-type extension (LOTE) for all six of the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines.
Defence had initially planned to upgrade just three of the platforms ahead of the delivery of the 12 Naval Group-built Attack Class submarines, promised under the SEA 1000 program.
However, given that the Future Submarines are not scheduled to achieve final operational capability (FOC) until 2054, a decision has been made to ensure at least six vessels are combat-ready throughout the delivery period.