Australian government approves next phase of Collins-class submarines’ life-of-type extension

HMAS Farncomb will be the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) six Collins-class submarines to undergo sustainment and capability enhancement under a life-of-type extension program being implemented by the Australian government, the Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed earlier this week.

The life-of-type extension program is part of the government’s commitment to invest AU$4 billion to AU$5 billion (US$2.7 billion to US$3.3 billion) to ensure the Collins-class submarines will continue to provide a potent strike and deterrence capability.

The life-of-type extension of HMAS Farncomb will be undertaken at ASC and commence in 2026 at Osborne in South Australia.

The DOD said the life-of-type extension program will ensure the future availability of the Collins-class submarines without compromising on submariner safety.

The government’s decisions on the life-of-type extension program have been informed by advice from the DOD as well as independent expert advice.

A planned optronics upgrade for the Collins-class submarines will not proceed following advice that it would have added complexity and risk to the life-of-type extension program. The SSN AUKUS nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines will likewise not be fitted with this particular design.

The government has also received advice from the DOD, in consultation with the United States, that adding Tomahawk cruise missile capability to the Collins-class submarines is not viable and does not represent value for money.

The Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines Australia will receive in the early 2030s will come with the Tomahawk as standard equipment. Tomahawk cruise missiles will also be used by the RAN’s Hobart-class destroyers, and the government has agreed in-principle to fit the Hunter-class frigates with Tomahawks, subject to a feasibility study.