ADF May Use Collins Class Submarines until 2050

18 Oktober 2021

The Navy chief says the Collins Class submarines could be in service until 2040 or 2050 (photo : Aus DoD)

Australia's ageing Collins Class submarines could be kept in the water for another 30 years as Defence works to acquire a new fleet of nuclear-powered boats.

A senate committee has examined last month's shock decision to dump a $90 billion contract with France in favour of building submarines using British and American technology.

Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Mike Noonan, said it was possible Australia's existing conventionally powered submarines could receive another round of upgrades.

Asked by Labor senator Kimberley Kitching whether this meant the Collins Class boats would still be in the water in 2040 or 2050, Vice Admiral Noonan said: "Yes Senator, potentially."

The federal government has previously confirmed all six Collins Class boats will undergo a life-of-type extension, giving the fleet an extra 10 years of service.

Plans for a possible second rebuild of the submarine fleet has not been previously disclosed by Defence.

The Chief of the Navy has also confirmed US and British nuclear-propelled submarines might be based in Australia in the coming decades while Defence develops an understanding of the technology.

Australia's nuclear regulator has confirmed changes to legislation and other concerns will need to be addressed before nuclear-powered submarines can be operated by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The CEO of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Carl-Magnus Larsson, told the committee it was too early to know what precise action would need to be taken.

"I think that there are clarifications that are needed with regard, for instance, definitions, for instance nuclear powered propulsion, and there are a number of other matters that need to be looked at."

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